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• November 2008

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SUPPLEMENTS AND ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

"My son wants to be a better athlete."

"My son is trying to getting bigger for college ball."

Open any fitness or health magazine, and you are immediately overwhelmed by the numerous ads for performance enhancing substances or nutritional supplements. Many teenage boys are seeking an easy and quick method to gain the physique of body builders or to attain the edge in their sport. Nutritional supplements have quickly become a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States over the last decade. Popularity of use is rapidly increasing among adolescents, as early as middle school.

What are supplements or performance enhancing substances?

Performance enhancing substances are dietary aids used to improve athletic success through endurance, strength, and increasing body mass. These substances are readily available in many retail markets. Many of the products contain dangerous anabolic steroids, stimulants, amino acids, and growth factors which are prohibited by the NCAA and the NFL. Such substances can have severe adverse effects to multiple organ systems.

Are these supplements safe for my teenage son?

Little is known about the safety and effectiveness of performance enhancing substances in adolescents. Because supplements are not considered "drugs", the manufacturing does not fall under the governmental regulations of the FDA. Consequently, purity and potency of a supplement can vary from product to product and bottle to bottle. Many of the popular supplements contain multiple additives that can be unsafe for adolescents. Packaged as "all natural" and purchased in a health store does not assure safety or effectiveness. Because of the potential risks to adolescents, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly condemns the use of performance enhancing substances.

What does my son need to increase muscle mass and get stronger?

Adolescent athletes require a variety and balance of sound nutrition in addition to rigorous workouts to achieve maximum ability. Increased caloric, carbohydrate, and protein intake are best utilized through dietary means. Unfortunately, many teens view supplements as replacements and forego the best methods for enhancing performance. We do know from studies that protein consumed immediately after exercise is better absorbed. Nutrients are often needed post game/practice to replenish what the body has used. With this in mind, Fork Union Military Academy has created a plan to help our athletes achieve maximum nutritional benefits.

What about these "energy drinks" my son wants me to buy?

Energy drinks are chocked full of high doses of caffeine and sugar. The side effects can range from increased blood pressure and irregular heart rate to dehydration and even seizures. No nutritional value or benefit is derived from these drinks.

What is FUMA doing to meet my son's nutritional needs?

A committee comprised of athletic department representatives, nurses, commandant staff, and health teachers have researched options to maintain the optimum health of our student athletes. As a result, FUMA will be providing protein enhanced dietary options in the dining hall and Sabre Shop, including protein shakes and protein enriched foods. To promote optimal health for all our students, the choices will contain no other potentially dangerous additives. Healthy snacks will be provided during breaks and post game/practices for our teams. Additionally, pure protein shakes and powders will be available for purchase in the Sabre Shop.

As a FUMA parent, how does this impact me?

As a result of the availability of sound nutritional additions at meals and breaks and in an effort to maintain the health and safety of our students, all high energy drinks and performance enhancing supplements brought from home will no longer be allowed on campus. We ask your support in educating our students in the importance of proper nutrition and hard work. Our plans include information sessions on nutrition and performance via health classes and corps meetings. We will continue to strive for optimum health and safety for your son at FUMA.

Posted by Ms. Ann Yonce, Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:14 AM