2024-08-06 06:00:40
Just days before the 2024 Paris Olympics, ANSES published an opinion warning about the risks of consuming certain food supplements intended for athletes, and therefore potentially high-performance athletes. explain.
A wide range of food supplements designed specifically for athletes
many food supplements Provided to athletes, whether they are casual athletes, regular practitioners or high-level athletes:
of multivitamin complex; of High-protein complexes and vitamin-rich foods ; Supplements to promote post-exercise recovery; Supplements formulated specifically for the practice of certain sports, such as cycling or trail running;
Are these supplements becoming indispensable before, during and after exercise? How do you reconcile them with a healthy and varied diet? How to choose them? Do they have harmful effects on health? Back in 2016, ANSES issued an alert about the risks associated with these products. The agency just updated its alert just days before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Health and Anti-Doping Control Risks
ANSES issues a two-level warning on food supplements and their derivatives (foods rich in protein, amino acids, plant proteins, collagen, etc.) used by athletes:
risks to athlete health; Risks associated with anti-doping controls.
Athletes utilize these food supplements to enhance performance, increase endurance, and/or promote recovery. Manufacturers make different claims to convince athletes, specifically increasing muscle mass and reducing fat mass. The most popular food supplements are Foods rich in protein and amino acids (creatine, etc.)a product originally developed for bodybuilders.
Unfortunately, these products are not without risks to the health of athletes, whether they are regular amateurs or high-level professionals. During 2009, ANSES recorded 49 cases of adverse reactions related to the consumption of these products. This number increased significantly between 2016 and 2024, with 154 new cases of adverse reactions. In these cases, Four athletes suffered critical injuries and two died.
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What is the diet of athletes?
The most common adverse reactions observed were Cardiovascular diseases, accompanied by a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), palpitations, and even cardiac arrest. General symptoms (malaise, fatigue, fever, dizziness), digestive and even neurological disorders are also described. Visible symptoms can sometimes be severe! Not to mention the risk of a positive test from a doping control agency. In fact, some of the ingredients present in these food supplements can cause positive control thus excluding athletes. The utmost vigilance is required.
An athlete’s diet must first respect the following basic principles: A healthy, varied and balanced diet This meets nutritional needs. In principle, supplementation is not necessary even for high-level sports practice. It is recommended to seek professional advice (doctor, pharmacist, nutritionist) before taking such supplements. You should not mix supplements and you should always buy supplements at a pharmacy or pharmacy and check that the product complies with European standard EN 17444:2021. Finally, if an adverse reaction occurs, the situation must be reported to public health authorities ensuring nutritional vigilance.
Also read – ‘Brain doping’, a new practice among athletes
Estelle B., Pharm.D.
source
– Food supplements and fortified foods for athletes: risky consumption. www.anses.fr. Date viewed: July 30, 2024.
– Athlete’s Plate. www.irbms.com. Date viewed: July 30, 2024.
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