Workout Supplements: Risks of using a Workout Supplement

Athletes and dieters often use workout supplements for boosts of energy and maximized performance during a workout. Post-workouts supplements are also used to lessen the pain after a strenuous session. Although some supplements can provide benefits, others prove to be dangerous to certain users.

Often young athletes wanting to push their bodies beyond limits will stack a multitude of supplements, unaware of the risks they're taking. They don't know how workout supplements change the body or how they can interact with other supplements or drugs. They read the hype, and they assume that if it's sold on the market, it must be safe.

But a workout supplement is not regulated like over-the-counter or prescription drugs are. In fact, it is up to the manufacturer to determine if the product is safe for consumers. It is also the manufacturer's responsibility to determine what dosage of a supplement is safe, and what mixtures of ingredients can be safely used. In such a competitive, multi-billion dollar industry, that seems dangerous in itself, and is considered one of the main problems with supplements.

Even Workout Supplements Considered Safe Can Pose Risks

Protein is a popular dietary ingredient used in many workout supplements. Although generally safe, excess protein can cause gas, dehydration, kidney stones and undue stress on the liver and kidneys. Naturally, those who are lactose intolerant should not use protein supplements.

Often people will get the added protein needed for heavy workouts in supplement shakes, and some of those shakes include creatine. Creatine is also considered a safe supplement to use, but excess use can be risky. Plus, if a user has a trait for sickle-cell disease, consuming such supplements could be dangerous. A lawsuit was filed in 2008 after a young Rice University football player died during practice. His death was attributed to supplement shakes, which were said to have been given without testing for the sickle-cell trait. The university's medical testing practice, or rather lack thereof, was called into question in this lawsuit.

Some athletes using workout supplements have claimed the products were tainted with ingredients not listed, such as steroid substances. After testing positive for the illegal substances, they filed lawsuits against the supplement companies.

Exactly what ingredients are included in workout supplement formulas (including how much of each ingredient) is not always listed on the label, which can be dangerous for anyone using these formulas, especially when stacking them with other supplements or drugs. Although some workout supplements may benefit the majority of people using them, users need to be able to limit their intakes of each dietary ingredient consumed based on their specific needs so as not to take too much. Those users should also be made aware of any known side effects or possible health risks associated with normal as well as excess and long term use. Excess supplements processed through the kidneys and liver can cause undue stress on these major organs, possibly damaging them permanently.

When a Workout Supplement Causes Injury

Some workout supplements offered to consumers have proven to be dangerous, such as in the case of the now banned Ephedra. Products containing Ephedra were removed from the market after mounting reports of injuries and deaths.

Just because a product is sold on the market does not mean it is safe. But it should.

If you or a member of your family suspects workout supplements caused serious illness or injury, you can file a legal claim, such as a liver damage lawsuit, for compensation. For a free consultation, contact The Gibson Law Firm today at 713-650-1010 or 1-866-JAGFIRM (524-3476).