What are supplements? Dietary supplements are products taken to supplement a normal diet. Supplements can be vitamins, minerals, herbs, homeopathic remedies or other substances. Athletes and others take supplements to compensate for an inadequate diet, or because they believe they may improve performance.
Are supplements permitted in sport?
Irish athletes are advised that the use of unlicensed supplement products is at your own risk and the Irish Sports Council strongly recommends that they be avoided altogether. Neither the Irish Sports Council nor your National Governing Body can guarantee the status of unlicensed supplement products in sport. This is because supplements are not subject to the same stringent manufacturing, testing and labelling standards as licensed medicinal products. You have no way of guaranteeing what is in the supplement, or if the declaration of ingredients on the label is complete and accurate.
Could I test positive from taking supplements?
These products may contain ingredients not listed on the label. In some cases supplements may contain undeclared prohibited substances. Some supplements have been found to contain undeclared ephedrine and even steroids. An International Olympic Committee study has reported that nearly 15% of supplement products tested contained substances not listed on the label that would lead to a positive drug test. In many cases, athletes who have tested positive have blamed a supplement they were taking. However, athletes are responsible for any substance found in their bodies. It doesn't matter how it got there.
How do I know the difference between a medicine and a supplement?
Licensed medicines can be identified by a product authorisation (PA) number on the label, meaning that they have been assessed for quality, safety and efficacy. Only a very small number of vitamin and mineral supplements are authorised with a PA number. The status of a product with a PA number can be checked with your Doctor, via the Eirpharm website (www.eirpharm.com) or by contacting the Irish Sports Council Anti-Doping Unit. Most supplements do not carry PA numbers meaning that their ingredients, and therefore their status in sport, cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need supplements?
For athletes consuming a normal, varied and balanced diet that meets their energy requirements, there is no evidence that vitamin and mineral supplementation is necessary to enhance health or performance. There is no proof that dietary supplements enable you to compete more effectively or would in any way replace a balanced diet. Athletes concerned about their diet should consult a qualified medical practitioner or sports dietician, and if a vitamin or mineral supplement is recommended, use one of the authorised products whose status in sport can be guaranteed.
