Nobody wants to lose.  We are taught from an early age to be the best person one can be…try our hardest…never quit.  These principles apply in athletic competition as well, which is why so many athletes have started using performance-enhancing supplements such as creatine, androstenedione, and epinephrine.  Some of these supplements have proven to increase an athlete’s strength and possibly performance on the playing field, but at what costs?  We hear warnings about these supplements all the time – on the news, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and by physicians. There have not been enough long-term or short-term studies performed with these products to prove that that are so called "bad" for you.  If this could be proven then the FDA could take these supplements off of the shelves.   The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the National Football League (NFL) have banned the use of Androstenedione and Epinephrine.  The use of creatine is not regulated as strictly as the andro and epinephrine.  So, isn’t it only logical that these supplements should be banned?  No, it is not, and here’s why….

1 ~ We hear about he risks all the time, but they are controversial claims.  The fact of the matter is that no one knows what the long-term side effects are of these supplements.  No studies have been conducted over a long enough period of time.

2 ~ These supplements are just that – supplements.  They are not going to make one bigger   or stronger if the effort is not put out to perform better.  The athlete must workout (lifting weights and aerobic conditioning) in order to see their effects.  Off-season training is key to an athlete’s success for the upcoming season.  This takes will, desire, and heart to improve one’s performance.......... something that a supplement cannot provide.

 
3 ~ Creatine, Androstenedione, and Epinephrine will not help you hit that curve ball, hurdle faster, catch a football, or weave that game-winning pass between two defenders.  These are all skills that must be practiced day in and day out for many years.

4 ~ Although the FDA has attempted to remove these products from the shelves, they have been unsuccessful in proving that the products are actually harmful.