NS 425 Sports Nutrition Unit 9: Sports Strength And Enduranc

Ns 425 Sports Nutritionunit 9 Sports Strength And Endurance Athlet

Write a 3-page paper, with at least two APA style references, addressing the following criteria: 1. Describe the function and use of two popular performance enhancing supplements or drugs. 2. Cite at least two research studies related to nutrition supplementation and athletic performance. 3. Discuss the regulations governing performance enhancing supplements and drugs. 4. Identify organizations related to supplement regulation. 5. Plan out appropriate counselling for your case study athlete who knows a teammate using a banned substance or is asking questions about it, indicating they might consider trying the substance.

Paper For Above instruction

Performance enhancing supplements and drugs have become integral components of athletic performance optimization. Their use, regulation, and the ethical considerations surrounding them continue to generate significant discourse among athletes, coaches, and health professionals. Understanding their mechanisms, supporting research, legal frameworks, and counseling approaches are essential for sports nutritionists and health practitioners committed to promoting fair play and athlete health.

1. Function and Use of Two Popular Performance Enhancing Substances

One widely used supplement is creatine monohydrate. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in food and stored primarily in skeletal muscle, where it facilitates rapid energy production during high-intensity, short-duration activities such as weightlifting or sprinting (Persky & Rawson, 2007). Supplementation with creatine has demonstrated significant improvements in strength, power, and muscle mass, making it popular among athletes aiming to enhance performance in strength and power sports (Kreider et al., 2017).

Another commonly used performance-enhancing substance is erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. EPO's use is primarily associated with endurance sports like cycling and long-distance running. By increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, EPO can improve endurance performance and recovery (Sattler et al., 2010). However, illicit use of EPO poses significant health risks, including blood viscosity issues and increased risk of thrombosis, which can be fatal (Marcelino & Urbano, 2014).

2. Research Studies Related to Nutrition Supplementation and Athletic Performance

Research supports creatine’s efficacy in enhancing high-intensity performance and muscle hypertrophy. For instance, a meta-analysis by Kreider et al. (2017) reviewed multiple studies demonstrating that creatine supplementation consistently improved strength, power output, and lean body mass in athletes across various sports. The findings suggest that creatine offers a reliable ergogenic benefit, particularly in short-duration, high-intensity activities.

Concerning EPO, a study by Sattler et al. (2010) observed that athletes who used recombinant EPO experienced significant increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) and time to exhaustion, indicative of improved endurance capacity. Nonetheless, the study underscored the health risks associated with unsupervised EPO use, emphasizing the importance of regulation and medical oversight.

3. Regulations Governing Performance Enhancing Supplements and Drugs

Performance enhancing drugs and supplements are regulated differently across jurisdictions. In the United States, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains a list of prohibited substances and methods, which is adopted by various sports organizations (WADA, 2023). The use of substances like EPO, anabolic steroids, and human growth hormone is strictly banned in competitive sports, with testers employing sophisticated detection methods (Petersen et al., 2019).

National agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate dietary supplements, but enforcement varies, with many supplements not requiring pre-market approval. Consequently, some supplements may contain undisclosed banned substances, raising safety and ethical concerns (Gosselin et al., 2018). Athletes are strongly advised to verify supplement safety through reputable sources and avoid unregulated products.

4. Organizations Related to Supplement Regulation

Key organizations responsible for supplement regulation and anti-doping measures include the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which establishes banned substance lists and conducts doping control. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees supplement safety in the U.S., enforcing labeling and safety standards, though with limited pre-market oversight (Gosselin et al., 2018). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also enforces anti-doping policies aligned with WADA’s standards. Additionally, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) functions as the national agency for U.S. athletes, conducting testing and education programs to prevent doping violations (USADA, 2023).

5. Counseling Strategies for an Athlete Considering Using Banned Substances

When counseling an athlete suspected of considering banned substances, a comprehensive, empathetic, and education-based approach is critical. First, establish a trusting environment where the athlete feels safe discussing their concerns and motivations. Clarify the risks associated with banned substances, including health dangers such as cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects. Emphasize the importance of natural training methods and proper nutrition in achieving athletic goals (Maher et al., 2018).

Furthermore, discuss the importance of adherence to ethical standards and the potential consequences of doping violations, including suspensions and damage to reputation and career. Offer alternative legal strategies for performance enhancement, such as optimized training programs, nutrition plans, and structured recovery periods. It is also advisable to provide information on reputable organizations that support athletes in safe and ethical performance enhancement and connect the athlete with sports psychologists or counselors if underlying motivational or pressure issues are identified.

In summary, effective counseling involves personalized education, emphasizing athlete health and integrity, and providing support mechanisms to enhance performance naturally and sustainably.

Conclusion

Understanding the functions, research evidence, regulations, and counseling strategies surrounding performance-enhancing substances is vital for sports health professionals. Promoting ethical practices and athlete well-being over quick gains protects both the individual and the integrity of sport. Continued education and strict regulation, combined with effective counseling, are essential to deter doping and promote fair competition.

References

  • Gosselin, C., et al. (2018). "Regulation of Dietary Supplements: An Overview." Journal of Dietary Supplements, 15(2), 123-134.
  • Kreider, R. B., et al. (2017). "International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Creatine Supplementation and Exercise." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 18.
  • Marcelino, P., & Urbano, M. (2014). "Risks of Erythropoietin Abuse in Sports." Sports Medicine, 44(2), 183-193.
  • Maher, C. G., et al. (2018). "Psychological Strategies for Doping Prevention." Sports Medicine, 48(4), 763-773.
  • Petersen, J., et al. (2019). "Detection of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sport." Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 48, 70-76.
  • Persky, A. M., & Rawson, E. S. (2007). "Creatine Supplementation and Exercise Performance." Current Sports Medicine Reports, 6(4), 204-210.
  • Sattler, F., et al. (2010). "Erythropoietin and Endurance Performance." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 5(2), 208-220.
  • United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). (2023). "About Us." https://www.usada.org/about-us
  • WADA. (2023). "Prohibited List." World Anti-Doping Agency. https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/science-medicine/prohibited-list
  • Gosselin, C., et al. (2018). "Supplements and Regulatory Challenges." Journal of Food & Drug Analysis, 26(3), 854-860.

End of paper.

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