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Pros And Cons Of Dietary Supplementation For High School Athletes

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Dietary Supplementation: Beneficial For High School Athletes? ““They’re an easy and convenient source of complete high-quality protein,” says Carole Conn, PhD, associate professor of nutrition at the University of New Mexico” (Shaw). A professor of nutrition agrees that protein is not only easy and convenient, but also a high-quality and safe source of protein. This essay will feature the pros, cons, and the stance of the author. Dietary supplements are beneficial for high school athletes and although the opposition to supplementation is high, it has been shown that there are numerous positives to supplementing.
Taking supplements at a young age can be unhealthy, in some ways. Many high school athletes overload on protein. “Excess protein, …show more content…

Protein is essential to build and recover muscle. Humans can get protein in numerous ways including red meat, dairy, soy and eggs. Many times after a workout, athletes cannot eat a full meal so a protein shake or a creatine drink is very convenient. Creatine is also used to build, and help recover muscle. “Creatine helps the athlete to pump out more reps, sprint at a faster rate, or engage more forcefully in whatever sport or type of exercise they take part in” (Robson). This being said, creatine is essential to an athlete’s body. Because it is essential, a creatine drink post work out is very beneficial to the athlete’s body. An athlete will not be as sore or as tired when supplementing due to the purpose of the afore mentioned supplements. With great products comes great speculation. Many of the rumors say that these supplements are not as highly regulated as whole foods and other products, but this is not true. “Dietary supplements are regulated by both the FDA and the FTC” (Pitzer). The FDA is the Food and Drug Administration which is responsible for product safety and labeling of supplements. The FTC is the Federal Trade Commission which regulates the advertising of dietary supplements. Both of these organizations have thorough and rigorous regulations that these supplements must meet making these rumors false. Supplements are important because after a workout the body craves nutrients. Students can’t go home and have a healthy meal like adults can. Due to this fact, supplements are a smart, convenient choice to build and strengthen a teen’s

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