What Parents Need to Know About Sports Supplements

As your pediatricians, we love to see parents and caregivers supporting young athletes as they chase their sports dreams. While sports supplements might seem like a good idea, they have more risks than benefits. Want to learn more about common sports supplements, their pros and cons and how to help your young athlete build healthy habits? Keep reading!

Types of Sports Supplements

Sports supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so they may contain harmful ingredients or even ones that aren’t listed on the label, such as lead. Want to learn more about supplements and natural options? Read our guide to safe natural remedies for kids.

Some young athletes try protein or creatine supplements, but research shows they don’t help sports performance in young athletes. They also don’t help you “bulk up.” Most US teens get plenty of protein in their diets. If your teen athlete is vegetarian or vegan they made need to work harder at finding protein sources in their diet. But it is much safer to eat your protein in foods than to use supplements.

Eating or drinking too much caffeine can be risky for young athletes, especially in energy drinks or high dose powders or pills. Many sports supplements, such as pre-workout supplements, contain potentially dangerous levels of caffeine.

Athletes that eat a balanced diet don’t need extra vitamins or minerals. High doses don’t help—and may even hurt—healthy kids.

Illegal without a prescription, anabolic steroids have been used to build muscle or strength in adults. For kids, steroids can stunt growth and cause serious damage to the skin, heart and other organs.

Healthy Ways to Boost Performance

• Want to help your young athlete perform their best? Try these simple tips:
• Start the day with a healthy breakfast to fuel their body for top performance.
• On game days, snack on carb-rich foods regularly to keep energy up.
• Stay hydrated! Two hours before the event, drink about 16 ounces of water or sports drinks. Then, have at least 8 ounces 30 minutes before. During practice or games, sip 4–8 ounces every 15 minutes.
• After practice or games, replace lost fluids and nutrients quickly. A balanced meal with protein and carbs is perfect for muscle recovery, especially during tournaments or while recovering from an injury.

Small habits can make a big difference!

At East Portland Pediatric Clinic, we support your young athletes by encouraging them to eat a balanced diet, drink water, get lots of rest and follow a set training plan. If you have any questions on sports supplements, or want to schedule an appointment, contact us here. Let’s make sure your child has fun while remaining strong and healthy.