Dietary Supplement Safety: Risk vs Reward for Athletes

Abstract

The dietary and sports supplement industry is an ever evolving and growing industry that currently offers over 55,000 supplements for consumers in which to choose. It is estimated the sports supplement market generated over $50 billion dollars in revenue in 2019 with future forecasts projecting total revenues above $90 billion by 2023. Dietary Supplements are widely used by high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. The dietary supplement industry is loosely regulated by the FDA and by being so, supplement makers do not have to scientifically prove the products they are marketing are safe before consumption. Because of the less stringent regulations for supplementations vs medications, supplements are at risk of becoming contaminated or adulterated with harmful ingredients. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that out of the 274 dietary supplements recalled between 2009 and 2012, 67% contained 1 or more pharmaceutical drugs. This included drugs such as Viagra and the diet drug Meridia, which was pulled from the market because of heart attack and stroke risks. With abundance of supplement brands and products on the market, the best way for an athlete or consumer to know if a supplement they are taking has been certified is to look for the mark of an independent, third-party testing organization. Athletes at all levels should take caution before ingesting a supplement without the advice of a trusted professional who is well versed in supplement safety and supplement science. Before using any dietary supplement, athletes should consult with their Team Sports Dietitian, Physician, or Certified Athletic Trainer prior to using any supplement.