The University of Missouri Nutritional Supplementation Policy Before you use any supplement you should ask yourself is it S.A.F.E.?
S = Supposed benefits. What claims are being made to aid in your training and performance? Is this the best option?
A = Acceptable. Is it legal? Is it banned by the NCAA? Are there side effects or risks associated with this product?
F = Funding. Who is paying for it? Is it worth the money? Will you be able to afford it consistently?
E = Effective. Is there scientific research and evidence to support the supposed benefits?
What supplements am I allowed to use?
The NCAA has provided information in reference to substances that are banned from use by student-athletes. This includes substances that you may purchase and use without realizing the consequences or could be illegal to use and possess. These banned substances are classified into the following categories:
- Stimulants such as ephedrine
- Anabolic agents like steroids and "andro"stendione
- Diuretics including caffeine in extreme amounts
- Street drugs such as marijuana
- Peptide hormones and analogues like human growth hormone
The NCAA provides a complete list that you can access via their webpage www.ncaa.org/health-safety.
How do I know which supplements live up to the hype?
The International Society of Sports Nutrition provides this information concerning the effectiveness of many popular supplements that you may want to use for muscle development, weight loss or performance enhancement.
Muscle Building Supplements
Apparently Effective = Weight Gain Powders, Creatine, HMB
Possibly Effective = Branched Chain Amino Acids, Essential Amino Acids, Glutamine, Protein
Apparently Ineffective = Anabolic Steroids and Prohormones, Boron, Chromium, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Vandyl Sulfate (Vanadium), Tribulus Terrestris
Weight Loss Supplements
Apparently Effective = Low Calorie Diet Foods and Supplements
Possibly Effective = High Fiber Diets, Calcium, Green Tea Extract
Apparently Ineffective = Chromium, CLA, L-Carnitine, Garcinia Cambogia (HCA), Herbal Diuretics
Performance Enhancing Supplements
Apparently Effective = Water and Sports Drinks, Carbohydrates, Creatine, Sodium Phosphate or Bicarbonate, Caffeine
Possibly Effective = Glutamine, Essential Amino Acids, Branched Chain Amino Acids, Calcium HMB
Apparently Ineffective = Inosine
The Bottom Line:
Please discuss your interests, questions and concerns with a member of the Strength and Conditioning or Sports Medicine staff. Gather your information from individuals you can trust that are educated, informed and have made a genuine commitment to your best interests.
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