Supplements I

Technically speaking, anything you consume that isn’t natural and part of a regular meal is a supplement.  Popular use of the term typically refers to some sort of pill, powder, shake, or energy drink.  This post refers to these types of products, which due to the deep pockets of these highly profitable companies (It costs less than 2 bucks to manufacture and package 100 pills that can wholesale for $80.  Thats assuming pure quality ingredients are used, which is rarely the case as the vast majority of the product will be cellulose.) and an easily corruptible US senator from Utah (where supplements are the second largest industry), are free from nearly all laws, inspection, and regulation.

Supplements can be very helpful, or not.  Either way, they carry some inherent risks:

1. 1) They are produced, promoted and distributed by a completely unregulated industry that falls between the jurisdiction of food and medications
2. 2) The labels and ingredient lists do not need to correspond to the contents of the container
3. 3)  The price or brand name of the product does not ensure quality of the contents or accuracy of the claims
4. 4)The contents may be contaminated with illegal or even toxic ingredients
5. 5) Though an ingredient may have demonstrated benefits, it may actually be detrimental to your competitive needs or conflict with your particular training protocols
6. 6) The contents may be contaminated with banned substances, and their use could result in you failing a drug test
7. 7) The claims made on the labels, or in the ads, or by the salesman do not have to be true
   
   

The First Post

Welcome to the blogger home of Proto Strength & Conditioning.  Please bear with us as we learn how to use this tool.  Before long, we'll be putting up training tips, and sharing information about improving athletic performance as well as injury prevention.