It is common knowledge that the quest for ergogenic aids has created a monster. The use of nutritional supplements is astronomical, the use of illegal drugs is rampant, and the ability of scientific research to keep up with the multitudes of products is virtually impossible. The various claims for supplements is difficult for athletes and physicians to validate, and research is usually limited or unavailable. Yet, despite issues of legality and safety, as well as the paucity of proven efficacy, athletes charge ahead, always eager to try the next “quick-fix” performance enhancer, and will pay enormous costs to do so. Money generated from sales of these products continues to rise and is bound to be significantly above the 1996 Council for Responsible Nutrition report of $3.3 billion.<sup>64 Short S.H., Marquart L.F. Sports nutrition fraud NY State J Med 1993 ;  93 : 112-116

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Although athletes study, research, and intellectually evaluate their sport to improve, they often take a cavalier and rather ignorant approach with regard to the safety and potential side effects of so-called ergogenic compounds. Unfortunately, very few avenues of regulation of these products exist. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is limited in its actions owing to the Proxmire Amendment<sup>64 Short S.H., Marquart L.F. Sports nutrition fraud NY State J Med 1993 ;  93 : 112-116

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> that disallowed the FDA from establishing limits on potency and made it more difficult for certain products to be termed “drugs.” There may be some hope with the FDA Dietary Supplement Task Force and even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). With the sheer volume of products that exist and are appearing, however, it would be impossible for these organizations to keep up with all of the products.

So-called ergogenic aids should only be used if they are truly known to be safe, effective, and legal. Many of the substances that proclaim performance enhancement, however, fail to produce such touted results, let alone be known to be safe. Fraudulent and misleading advertising schemes use deceptive ways to sell their products, and even scientists will hit the market with a new product before their results have had time to be replicated or be subject to peer review. Recent review articles have helped to provide some information regarding many of the supplements used, claims made, and research that has been performed.<sup>9 Barron R.L., Vanscoy G.J. Natural products and the athlete: Facts and folklore Ann Pharmacother 1993 ;  27 : 607-615

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 39 Grunewald K.K., Bailey R.S. Commercially marketed supplements for bodybuilding athletes Sports Med 1993 ;  15 : 90-103  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 83 Williams M.H. Nutritional supplements for strength trained athletes Gatorade Sports Science Institute Sports Science Exchange 1993 ;  6 : 1-6

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Because it is not feasible for research efforts to maintain pace with all of the marketed products, the medical community should become more knowledgeable about these substances and how few scientific investigations exist to better inform, protect, and care for athletes under their supervision.

Substances that are truly ergogenic would be those that enhance energy utilization, such as energy production, control, and efficiency,<sup>82 Williams M.H. Ergogenic and ergolytic substances Med Sci Sports Exerc 1992 ;  24 (suppl) : S344-S348

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> thus positively affecting performance. When this definition is strictly applied, the number of substances that meet these criteria is drastically reduced. Unfortunately, even hard scientific evidence that a substance is not ergogenic cannot always deter an athlete from using the substance if there are anecdotal beneficial effects rumored by a fellow athlete, coach, or magazine.

This article provides information on a few of the more popular products on the market today, some of which have limited ergogenicity, some that have ergogenic potential during early stages of investigation, and some that do not produce an ergogenic effect. It is crucial to remember that even though some new products may show promise as performance enhancers, the effects of long-term use on the body are not known. This should alert everyone to approach these compounds with caution. Even with the best of research and investigation, certain legal supplements may actually be shown to be of added benefit to some athletes. True athletic success, however, stems primarily from the combination of genetic endowment, training, technique, equipment, and proper nutrition.