Discovering what’s really in over-the-counter sports supplements can be a daunting task. Many of these products claim to have ingredients that can enhance performance, but a recent study shows that only 11% of the tested dietary supplements actually contain accurate amounts of the key ingredients listed on the label. In fact, 40% of the supplements had no detectable amount of the claimed ingredients at all.
It’s disturbing to realize that in a significant portion of these products, the manufacturers don’t even bother to include the listed ingredients. Dr. Pieter Cohen from Cambridge Health Alliance expresses his disbelief, stating, “It’s incredible that in 40 percent of the products, the manufacturer doesn’t even bother putting any [of the ingredient] in.”
The study conducted by Dr. Cohen and his colleagues analyzed 57 sports supplements labeled with ingredients like R. vomitoria, methylliberine, halostachine, octopamine, or turkesterone. These plants or plant compounds have the potential to act as stimulants or muscle builders. Shockingly, only 34 of the tested products contained the claimed ingredient. Out of those, only 6 had the correct amount, while the remaining 28 had inconsistent and inaccurate amounts, ranging from 0.02% to 334% of the quantity stated on the label.
This discrepancy is concerning, as certain individuals may be very sensitive to these ingredients and unknowingly consume much higher quantities than intended. Luis Rustveld, a dietician at Baylor College of Medicine, warns about the potential risks, stating, “They may be getting a whole lot more than they thought.”
What’s even more alarming is that seven of the tested products were found to contain at least one compound that is prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the past, hundreds of supplements have been identified as tainted with potentially harmful drugs. Unlike prescribed medications, dietary supplements are not required to be approved by the FDA before they are sold. However, the FDA does mandate that supplements must contain the ingredients they claim.
In order to make informed decisions about purchasing supplements, Patricia Deuster, a nutrition specialist at the Uniformed Services University, suggests seeking assistance from third-party organizations that analyze and approve supplements, such as NSF, BSCG, and USP. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense has developed an online scorecard that can help consumers evaluate their supplements.
When it comes to buying supplements, Dr. Cohen advises approaching the claims with skepticism. If a product promises miraculous results like burning fat or enhancing performance, it’s likely too good to be true. Consumers should be cautious and diligent in their decision-making. As Rustveld concludes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not true.”
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
