Ergogenic Aids Flashcards
What is a dietary supplement and when is it useful?
Contains nutrients in similar amounts to that found in food eg sports drinks, gels
Useful when poor food choices are made, temporary reduction in food intake (illness)
What is an ergogenic aid?
A substance or technique that can increase the capacity for bodily or mental labour, especially by eliminating fatigue symptoms
What is a nutritional ergogenic aid?
A substance that increases capacity for bodily or mental labour while reducing fatigue and is either a nutrient, metabolic byproduct of the nutrient, food extract or substance commonly found in food
What are examples of mechanical aids?
Free weights to develop strength, lightweight racing shoes, nasal strips to improve airflow
What are example of pharmacological aids?
Anabolic steroids, high dose nutrient supps
What are examples of physiological aids?
Blood doping, sauna, massage
What are examples of psychological aids?
Hypnosis, relaxation techniques, motivational techniques
How many contamination of a product with banned substances occur?
Intentional - companies may add undeclared products eg stimulant so the consumer feels the product is working
Non-intentional - cross contamination from processing on same equipment
Contaminated raw material
Sports foods/supplements are grouped based on scientific evidence on whether it is (what 3 things?)
- Safe
- Effective - is there science behind it, is it right for the athlete (event/position), is there information how to use it correctly, do they need it if their diet is well balanced
- Legal - can athletes correctly translate info from the ingredient list to compare to the banned list, is it contaminated/manufactured in a way that reduces risk, does the manufacturer also produce supps that contain prohibited substances
What are cons of supplement?
Expensive, side effects may occur, displacement or real priorities, doping risk
How do you assess the risk of a supplement?
Efficacy - is there valid evidence that the supp works, are advertised claims backed with evidence, is it needed if the athlete has a healthy diet
Quality assurance - has it been manufactured, packaged and distributed in a way that will minimise contamination
Avoid purchasing supps from manufacturers who also produce supps that contain prohibited substances
What are the general risks of supplements?
Children/adolescents
Pregnant women/breast feeding
Drug interactions
Some may inhibit normal physiological processes eg fish oil stops blood clotting
What is the professionals role in supplements?
Provide unbiased scientific info - guide but dont decide
People who sell supps = biased opinion!!
Express concern of potential side effects
Supp must be a final consideration after the athlete has a well balanced diet = ergogenic aids will never replace a poor diet
Balance the coaches and athletes needs
Provide optimal performance without side effects
What are the categories of the AIS classification system?
A - supports use in specific situations
B - deserves further research and could be considered for future use
C - little proof of beneficial effects
D - Banned or at high risk
