HOUSTON TEXANS STRENGTH & CONDITIONING PROGRAM ...

athlete insists on using a protein supplement, we recommend non-fat powdered milk,
which contains calcium and is a rich source of protein.”
The scientific community will not accept claims and testimony. Double-blind studies
must be conducted to support the effectiveness of a product. Dr. Evans states, “If this
product (MET-Rx) were tested in a double-blind study, I doubt if it would demonstrate
any significant effect.” He adds, “...everyone wants to think that there is something there
that will provide an extra nutritional boost. I can tell you that, if something were there, it
would be known. We have conducted as much research as anyone on protein metabolism
and we don’t have any evidence that these kinds of products provide anything unusual.”
The conclusion of the Met-Rx article states, “Until independent, objective, and
meticulously controlled studies are conducted that show significant physiological
changes, do not expect any more from MET-Rx than from other formulated products.”
When taken as prescribed, MET-Rx and most other supplements are not harmful.
They’re also not necessary. Telling this to some athletes is like telling them there’s no
Santa Claus. They’d rather believe the testimony of a buddy than research. In no other
field do we ignore the facts from our scientific community like we do in the area of
nutrition.
Reliable experts inform us that your time, energy, and money can be better spent on
normal foods, a balanced diet, and daily discipline.
The message you should be sending to your children and other young people is eat a
balanced diet. Spend your money on fruits and vegetables. Eat more carbohydrates.
Drink more water. Eat less fat and sugar. Rely upon the facts from Registered Dietitians,
not supposition, testimony, and half-truths.
Specialists
Supplements are not more effective than the food you eat. If they were, scientists
would publish this information for all to see. Unfortunately few athletes review the
scientific literature. Muscle magazines, literature handed out in the health food store, and
opinions of other athletes are not reliable sources.
In the 1990’s we’ve all become experts in the area of nutrition and supplements. We
visit the health food stores and buy potions like there’s no tomorrow. Yet when we’re
sick we don’t randomly take medicine to cure the illness. We visit the doctor and he or
she prescribes the appropriate medication.
If your vision becomes blurry you do not go to the department store and prescribe
your own bifocals. You visit the optometrist and let a specialist test your eyes. You’re
given a prescription to correct your vision deficiency.
Before taking any supplement you should visit a Registered Dietitian. In the phone
book they have an R.D. after their name. R.D.s are members of the American Dietetic
Association. Registered Dietitians are the most qualified nutrition specialists available.
They have the education, expertise, and information necessary to prescribe a supplement
if you need one.
Beware of some Nutritionists. Nutritionists are people with an interest in nutrition.
In most states there aren’t any professional standards or credentials required to be a
nutritionist. Nutritionists number in the thousands. Their advice might be reliable.
However their advice could also be unsound.
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