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Herbal supplements: considerations for the athletic trainer.

A P Winterstein1, C M Storrs

  • 1University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.

Journal of Athletic Training
|March 25, 2006
PubMed
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Athletes seeking natural therapies should know that "natural" doesn't always mean safe. Most herbal supplements lack proven safety and efficacy under current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, requiring athletic trainers to provide unbiased education.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Herbal supplement use is increasing among athletes.
  • Limited clinical testing and understanding exist for many herbal remedies.
  • The origins of some medications and herbal supplements overlap.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common herbal supplements used by athletes.
  • To identify potential risks associated with herbal product consumption.
  • To offer guidance for athletic trainers on patient care related to herbal supplements.

Main Methods:

  • A literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite).
  • The search covered the period from 1990 to 2000.
  • Keywords included 'herbals,' 'regulation,' 'supplements,' 'toxicity,' and 'adulteration.'

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Main Results:

  • Despite growing use, many herbal products lack rigorous clinical testing and regulatory oversight.
  • Current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations do not guarantee the safety or efficacy of herbal supplements.
  • Some herbal products may offer benefits in athletic contexts, but risks are often uncharacterized.

Conclusions:

  • Athletes must understand that 'natural' does not equate to 'safe' when considering herbal therapies.
  • Most herbs have not been proven safe or effective according to current FDA standards.
  • Athletic trainers play a crucial role in educating athletes about the risks and lack of proven benefits of many herbal supplements.