Performance Enhancement Supplements

[Dave]

I'm curious to know what everyones feelings are on " Performance enhancing Supplements "...... The reason im curious is occasionally i might have a protein drink which contains around 20grams of protein after traning to help my muscles recover, i personally dont see anything wrong with this as protien is part of everyones diet and having a protien drink is the same as eating a piece of chicken or any other meat, When i was discussing this with a couple of friends they all agreed with me but some of them suggested trying other means of supplements such as creatine to boost engergy and muscle growth etc i was opposed to this idea as i don't want to take anything im not supposed to.... Im just curious as to what other peoples thoughts are on the matter ??

Am i doing anythign wrong having the occasional protein drink ?

[Lucy]

Creatine is one of the biggest sellers and ahs been around for a long time so I can't see a problem with it. If it's legal and it helps you perform why not?

I can't imagine being desperate enough to start on stuff like steroids though the risk is too high for a moment on a podium! Then again the most I've ever taken is cod liver oil (getting old and creaky:p )so I'm hardly an authority on the subject.

[Dave]

Cod liver oil ive taken that on occasions as im gettin on a bit now for a gymnast... As for creatine i doubt i'll ever take it i like to think if i compete or training and do well then its me thats done well and not the supplements... Think i'll happily have the odd protein drink though after a hard session training....

[Anita]

Be careful if thinking of taking creatine - you should seek medical advice first. The long-term effects have not yet been evaluated but there are various contra-indications to not taking this substance, especially if taken in high doses with certain pre-existing medical conditions and/or other medications.

From a US Gym site:
People who take creatine supplements may gain weight caused by muscles holding water. Other side effects of long-term use include muscle cramps, stomach cramps, dehydration, diarrhea, nausea and seizures. ...... No one knows what may happen to important organ systems like the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs ...... Since it has the effect of fluid retention in muscle, it might increase blood pressure in the same way high sodium levels do .......There are some anecdotal reports of other side effects, including kidney and liver damage, muscle cramps during exercise in the heat and increased number of muscle strains and pulls.

These are just a few highlights from a very long document!

Really the answer is "everything in moderation".

[Gingerheid]

As someone who knows nothing about it at all... protein drinks sound closer to the taking vitamin tablets / ie harmless end of the scale. Anything else ~ I wouldn't want to personally...

[DJC]

UK Sport Drugs Information Database (http://www.uksport.gov.uk/did) Type in anything you think could be dubious there, it's a great tool. Any active ingredients should be checked, as well as anything you're interested in finding information about.

[Anita]

Many years ago at our gym a boy used to compete partnering his sister whom, most of the time, he struggled to lift properly but when it came to competitions he didn't have a problem! Strange we thought (he was up against my daughter a lot of the time, never beat them in the gym but did in comps).

We (my daughter's gym partner's Mum and I) then discovered he was asthmatic and he conveniently developed asthma problems leading up to competitions and was prescribed, by his GP, steroids!:mad: . Our coach had specifically warned us all about this (my other daughter always informed the GP that she was a competing athlete when her asthma played up and he made sure he didn't prescribe anything banned) when she discovered it the first time and we know his Mother was told quite strongly.

After the fourth or fifth time this happened Chris and I discussed it loudly within earshot of the coaches: boy and sister left shortly after. He then went on to win a County title at weightlifting - I wonder .......:rolleyes:

[Dave]

Thanks for the link DJC i'll check the contents of my protein drink.... As for Creatine im staying away from that stuff, although it may not be banned it still gives people who take it an advantage over others which to me is cheating in a sense even if its only cheating yourself......

Anita i wish i could have been a fly on the wall when you lot complained about this boy and his steriods !!! It seems pretty daft that the doctor would give him steriods anyhow ???

[DJC]

Many people take steriods on prescription to help or cure medical conditions.

[Anita]

DJC - competing athletes, from any sport, should tell their GP that. Legal alternatives can be prescribed - my daughters are proof of that!

If not severe asthmatics like Steve Ovett would have constantly failed drugs tests!

Dave - I don't think his mother told the GP he was a competing athlete.:mad:

[Dave]

That would certainly explain things Anita..... What happened afterwards ??? did they loose there medals ??
When ever im at the doctors and they want to prescribe me somthing i always make sure they know im a gymnast who competes so that they dont prescribe me anything i shouldnt be taking.....

[Anita]

No Dave, they kept their medals because it never went beyond the club (at least then ;) ). I think his mother took them out before things blew up.

[Dave]

Probably a senisble idea..... But they could have kept competing providing he didnt get put on drugs to get through the comps......

[Sian]

Persoanlly I am strongly against Performance Enhancing Drugs. The body shouldn't be abused just for moments of glory. I read an article claiming so many athletes took drugs, that maybe everyone should. But it shouldn't be the case. Achievements should be made because the performer did his/her best and worked hard to get there. Not because they adapted their body.

[Dave]

I Understand you point exactly Sian as i feel the same but i see no problems in taking a protein drink every now and then as it helps aid the muscles recover quicker....

[Lucy]

Look out for Horizon (BBC2 Thursday 9pm) for info about vitamins, they may not be as harmless as we think.

[Dave]

Will Do Lucy , thanks i have already checked the contents of my protein drink on the web site DJC suggested and all came back ok...