 |
|
1-888-632-5353
M-F 8 AM - 9 PM EST
|
|
is Searching for
Plans in ZIP Code
|
Sorry, that ZIP code
was not found.
Try Again
|
|
|
is Searching for
Dentist in ZIP Code
|
|
|
you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Medicine > Tests of "Muscle" Supplements Finds Some "Weak" Products
| |
|
|
|
Updated: 11/13/2006 1:22:50 PM |
|
|
Bodybuilders and athletes often turn to supplements to enhance muscle size and strength. New tests of such supplements showed two products to contain little or no creatine and an amino acid supplement unable to break apart as expected, the testing company ConsumerLab.com reported today. The majority of products, however, met quality standards. The market for sports nutrition and supplement products has grown steadily to exceed $2 billion in 2004 according to Nutrition Business Journal.
One of the most popular supplements for muscle enhancement is creatine, which has been shown to be useful in maintaining strength in repetitive, brief, high-intensity sports activities. Creatine's popularity among athletes has spurred a variety of product forms other than traditional powders. ConsumerLab.com found problems with creatine in liquid form -- likely due to poor stability. One liquid creatine was contaminated with the breakdown compound called creatinine. In fact, nearly 30% of the product’s “creatine proprietary complex” was creatinine and only 10% was creatine. Another liquid supplement claimed 6,000 mg of creatine per dose, but had none. It did contain 2.6 mcg of dicyandiamide per serving – a contaminant likely produced during creatine manufacture.
"There are high-quality products on the market and there are pure rip-offs," commented Tod Cooperman, M.D., ConsumerLab.com's President. "People considering muscle enhancement supplements should be realistic about the effectiveness of these products and skeptical of their contents unless verified by a third party."
Supplements made with other ingredients used in muscle enhancement — HMB (hydroxy methylbutyrate), glutamine, and other amino acids such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) — were also tested. Problems were not found with HMB products -- which may help increase muscle mass and strength with weight training. All glutamine products also passed. Glutamine supplementation may reduce the incidence of infection in athletes who are over-training, but there is conflicting evidence regarding it benefit in muscle work. Among products with mixed amino acids, tablets of one failed to break apart and release its contents within the expected time limit.
The new report is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/creatine.asp. Brands included are Body Fortress, EAS, Eclipse Sports Supplements, Dymatize, Everlast, GNC, Iron-Tek, ISS, Muscle Marketing USA, MHP, MRM, Muscletech, Precision Engineered (US Nutrition), Puritan’s Pride, SciFit, Six Star Body Fuel, TwinLab (Ideasphere), Universal Nutrition, Vitamin World, and Vitol. The report provides results for twenty-two supplements of which ConsumerLab.com selected sixteen. Six were tested at the request of their manufacturers/distributors through CL's Voluntary Certification Program and are included for having passed testing. Also listed are three products similar to ones that passed but sold under different brand names.
Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New reviews to be released in coming months cover alpha lipoic acid, eye health supplements (lutein and zeaxanthin, joint care supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM), multivitamins, probiotics, SAMe and St. John’s wort. Early this winter, ConsumerLab.com will publish the 2nd edition of the acclaimed paperback, ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? It can be pre-ordered through 800-431-1579.
ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies, and MedicareDrugPlans.com, which reviews and rates Medicare Part D plans. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.
Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.
|
|
| |
|
|
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.
|
Special promotions including but not limited to additional months free and Membership Rewards® points from American Express are not available to California residents.
© 1999-2011 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. |
 
|
|
| |
|  |