Duntroon Army Officer Selection - Australian Army

AOSB BPCP Guide
SPORTS SUPPLEMENTS
The fitness industry is inundated with ‘quick fix’ solutions, many of which contravene the concept of
health and fitness. Consider for example anabolic steroids, they may well give the external
appearance of a fit body but what about the internal effects? Liver damage and sexual, reproductive
and psychological disorders are the more common side effects from steroids. These side effects do
not improve health and fitness.
An important point to consider in regard to the claims made by ‘wonder supplements’ is that many of
the health and fitness magazines are either owned by or sponsored by supplement companies..
‘There is little or no scientific evidence supporting positive effects on muscle growth, body fat
reduction or strength for the following supplements: Amino Acids (Arginine, Lysine and
Orthinine), Ornitine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG), Inosine, Choline, Vitamin B12, Carnitine,
Chromium, Medium ChainTriglycerides, Omega –3 Fatty Acids and Gamma Oryzanol’ 7
‘Studies on supplements containing all 20 amino acids have not been found to influence
testosterone or Human Growth Hormones (HGH).’ 8
‘Long term supplementation with multivitamin/mineral compounds does not enhance sport
performance.’ 9
‘It has been suggested and acknowledged by many sources that to maintain or possibly
increase muscle mass a protein RDA of 1.5–2.0 g/kg of body weight is needed. What many
neglect to state is that this ‘additional energy and protein may be obtained from a balanced
healthy diet’ 10
‘Every two or three years the newest and most fashionable ‘wonder supplement’ creates
‘anticipatory excitement that it will produce quick and gratifying results. However, science
eventually shows that, like others before it, the supplement just does not live up to the claims
and hype.’ 11
‘There is no substitute for engaging in an optimal resistance training program and consuming a
sound overall diet.’ 12
‘It is my judgement that there is no conclusive evidence that dietary supplements are effective in
enhancing muscle mass as long as the individual eats well and does high-quality resistance
training.’ 13
‘For athletes who eat optimal diets, there is no solid evidence that protein powders or amino
acids build muscle mass.’ 14
7
M.H., Williams, Nutritional supplements for strength trained athletes, Sports Science Exchange 47, Chicago,IL : Gatorade
sports science institute, 1993, Vol 6 :No 6, 1993
8 Ibid
9 Ibid
10 Ibid
11 E.R. Eichner, D. King, M. Myhal, B. Prentice, & T.N. Ziegenfuss, ‘Muscle Builder Supplements’ Round Table 37, Chicago,IL :
Gatorade sports science institute., 1999, Vol 10: No 3, 1999
12 Ibid
13 Ibid
14 Eichner, et al. op cit
6-6