Sports supplements are commonly used by athletes in the hope of maximising the benefits of participating in sport. Understandably sports people can be confused about the issues around sports supplements. It is important to remember that there are risks associated with supplement use. The Irish Sports Council recommends against the use of sports supplements for the following reasons: - We believe that a correct dietary and nutritional regime will provide all the potential benefits of sports supplements.
- We believe that, given the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) principle of strict liability, elite athletes are opening up the possibility of inadvertent positive tests by taking supplements.
- We believe it is inappropriate for any junior athlete or player to be taking supplements that could have an impact on their physical development.
General AdviceDo:- Follow a dietary plan that will allow you to adapt your eating and drinking practices to maximise your performance.
- Seek advice from a professional such as a Sports Dietician (e.g. a Member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute MINDI, www.indi.ie) before taking any supplement.
- Make sure that the professional is familiar with the WADA Prohibited List.
- Remember that dietary alteration may replace the need for any particular supplement.
- Remember that there is a variable level of risk associated with supplements. Vitamins and minerals produced by reputable pharmaceutical companies especially those with a marketing authorisation number such as a product authorisation (PA) number are less likely to be associated with health risks or inadvertent drug tests.
- Check if these products are listed on www.eirpharm.com (for products bought in the Republic of Ireland) or www.globaldro.com (for products bought in Northern Ireland).
- Be aware that supplements which claim to be muscle building or fat burning are more likely to be associated with contamination with anabolic steroids, stimulants and other contaminants.
- Always remember that there are no quick fixes for improving sports performance.
Do Not:- Do not take a supplement just because a team mate or a competitor is taking it or recommends it.
- Do not take any supplements made by a company which also manufactures substances which are on the WADA Prohibited List due to the risk of cross contamination.
- Do not take any supplements that make claims that sound too good to be true. Always validate product claims through non-biased sources.
- Do not take any supplements made by a company which in the past has been associated with positive drugs tests.
- Do not buy supplements either over the internet or through magazines as they are more likely to be associated with an increased risk of inadvertent doping, adverse health effects and other associated problems.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose - Remember more is not always better. Excessive use of one vitamin or mineral can have a negative impact on the availability or absorption of another. The recommended daily allowances (RDA) for vitamins and minerals should be used as a guide in determining nutritional needs.
- Read the full Supplements and Sports Food Policy
Sports Supplements FactsheetsThe Supplements and Sports Food Policy was developed by the Supplements and Sports Food Sub-Committee of the Irish Sports Council consisting of Mr Brian Mullins (Chair), Ms Noreen Roche, Dr Bill Cuddihy, Dr Rod McLoughlin, Dr Gary O'Toole, Dr Mary Flynn, Dr Elaine Breslin and Ms Lisa Regan.
In an attempt to educate athletes, coaches and parents the sub-committee commissioned the development of factsheets, for athletes over 16 years of age, which look at a range of sports supplements and outlines the potential benefits and risks of these products. Each factsheet is supported by a more in depth technical document which may be of interest to some athletes and others. Factsheets can be accessed on the Institute of Sport website.
Food and Food Supplements Sub-Committee members:
Mr Brian Mullins (Chairperson)
Ms Noreen Roche
Ms Lisa Regan
Dr Mary Flynn
Dr Elaine Breslin
Dr Bill Cuddihy
Dr Rod McLoughlin
Dr Gary O'Toole
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