Fast Food Bites, Vol. IV: Supplements

Fast Food Bites is a series of short posts, designed to set you free from the media lies that have plagued the nation for far too long.  Made possible thru huge food corporations, and active lobbyists, the common folks have been brain washed into believing lies about the current state of our food supply.  These posts are designed to educate my beez in peez, in order to make better diet and nutrition choices.

Sorry about the double post today, but I’m feelin’ it!  Education is crucial to long term success.

Question;  Would you trade your liver for some huge biceps?

Supplements:  The unknown

Before you run out and buy the latest, greatest, bottle of XXX-mass Gainer XL 2010, or Skinny Chick Super Metabo-burner Diet Pills, you may be interested in a few things I dug up.

According to the latest issue of Consumer Reports, who claim their info was obtained thru the FDA in May 2010-

*  There are over 1,500 US supplement manufacturers

*  There have been at least 170 supplements found to have hidden steroids, or other banned drugs- but not listed on the ingredients. Well, Mike- that’s not too bad..considering how many are out there, right? Not so fast…170 since 2008.  And keep in mind;  they usually only test the ones that either report adverse effects…or simply, the ones that actually work.  Usually, it’s the popular brands.  So if you’ve had your fair share of supplements while training- there is a good chance you’ve consumed some form of steroids at some point.

*  Only 1/3 of the estimated supplements available are in the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database with scientific evidence that they are likely safe

Now, you all know I am not a big fan of the FDA, but even I will agree that we do need a little more regulations placed on this stuff.

Hydroxycut diet pills comes to mind.  These things were huge!  In 2002 the FDA received it’s first complaint about the product.  In 2009, they advised people to stop taking the product because of potential health risks.  At this point two deaths had already been linked to the pills, and a handful of other issues…including damaged livers.  There are currently lawsuits filed against the manufacturer.

As you know, Hydroxycut is back on the shelves- and the FDA has called the new formula ‘acceptable’.  I find this a little strange, since the FDA claimed they did not know exactly what ingredient was causing the problems.  I should also point out, the product was voluntarily taken off the market temporarily by the manufacturer.  The FDA did not force any action.

Why?

Because, once the DSHEA was passed….which is basically a way for supplement pushers to get away from regulations, there was no law in place forcing manufacturers to report any adverse effects to the FDA.  This could be a good thing when applied to natural herbs, not fitness supplements filled with synthetic hormones.  The FDA has a sneaky way of choosing sides, especially the side with the deep pockets.

But, since December 2007- a new law was enacted in which manufacturers would be REQUIRED to report adverse effects…or suffer the consequences.  Since then, an alarming 1,359 reports have come in from manufacturers, and another 602 from consumers, and health professionals. However, many of these reports are not made public and the dangers stay hidden until the shit really hits the fan.  Usually, that means someone has to die first.  That sucks!

If you’re a protein shake addict, the news isn’t much better for you either.  Check this article found on WebMD for some alarming news about lead in your popular protein shakes.  Protein Article HERE.

So what do we do, Mike?

Well, for starters- stop looking for a miracle in a bottle!  That’s what weak, lazy people do.  There is no mystery; food trumps supplements.  Eat real nutrient dense foods and your need for supplements will go down.

For supplements such as fish oil, milk thistle, and other natural products- it is not so bad.  According to the FDA, the vast majority of problems comes from diet, body building, and sexual enhancement supplements.  I still don’t understand how a bottle of meth-laced diet pills, and a bottle of fish oil can both be put in the same category as ‘dietary supplements’ but that’s another post in itself.  I do have a concern that once laws are passed because of the dangerous shit…all products will suffer.  Major regulations will put a strain on smaller companies that put out quality supplements, such as fish oil, and other natural miracles- and will open the market for a pharmaceutical take over.  Shit, they’re already jumping all over the fish oil pills.  “The cure is in the sea” or “The only fish oil that is FDA approved” are a couple of the new claims.  This new fish oil prescription is also about $250 a month, and requires a prescription from your health care provider….so you can see where my concern comes from.

For the gym rats who feel like a workout is just not the same with some type of placebo effect-  If you do purchase supplements in these categories, make sure you at least look for the “USP Verified” mark.  This is a non profit organization that is used to test quality, purity, and potency of the ingredients, and or the final product. You can find a list of manufacturers on the USP site, www.uspverified.org

Bottomline;  be safe.  Be a skeptic, and do some research before you start gobbling down the latest greatest muscle builder.  There has been many scary stories, documentaries, and after school specials we can share.  Bigger, Faster, Stronger- is a great movie/documentary that comes to mind.

For my ‘meat-head’ beez in peez, the one just interested in getting jacked and ripped…well, there isn’t going to be very much assistance thru these pills.  Most products that seem to ‘work’ like they claim they should…are found to contain traces of steroids, or other banned substances. (which causes their labs to be raided) You may  increase this X a percentage, or help eliminate of few of these X, or even see some real results initially because of ‘change’ being adapted to by your body….BUT, the shit that REALLY works- is usually illegal.

We call those steroids.  Sadly enough, they can be much safer than some of the shit readily available at your local supplement store- just a couple blocks away.

Train hard, be safe.

Because, you can chop both your arms off and still live a healthy life…or even an inspirational one, like Kyle Maynard.

But, once you ruin your liver- YOU ARE DEAD.

-Mike.

PS:  Creatine has passed the test of time.  It has also been studied many times and has shown to have positive effects.  There has been no overly concerning adverse effects reported. This is one muscle building / repairing supplement that I am saying is fine to consume.  Actually, especially for those trying to make gains in strength and muscle mass- I recommend giving it a try.

Ref: Consumer Reports magazine, September 2010 issue- page 18

Related posts:

1. Fast Food Bites, Vol. II
2. Fast Food Bites, Vol. 1
3. Fast Food Bites, Vol. III Tips
4. Fast Food Bites, Vol. V- Starting tips.
5. Food is Fuel III: The final note.