ATHLETES, BEWARE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

WHILE Mark McGwire's home-run record is impressive, the dismissal of his use
of two dietary supplements, creatine and androstenedione, is disconcerting.

Although scientific studies have shown that creatine supplements enhance
performance in the short term, prolonged high levels of creatine in the
blood, a marker of kidney stress, may increase the likelihood of renal
failure. As a result, researchers of the American College of Sports Medicine
emphasize the need for studies on the medical safety of long-term creatine
usage.

Scientific studies of androstenedione supplementation are lacking. However,
peer-reviewed scientific studies in the Journal of the National Cancer
Institute have associated high circulating levels of testosterone, a
by-product of androstenedione, with increased risk of prostate cancer.

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. A
company can manufacture a dietary supplement and claim it is safe with no
credible scientific research. Although these two dietary supplements are
legally sold over the counter in the United States and not banned by Major
League Baseball, their legality does not ensure their safety.

While we admire McGwire's athletic accomplishments, overlooking his use of
unregulated, potentially unsafe dietary supplements sends a detrimental
message to athletes everywhere. Taking legal dietary supplements without
knowing their long-term consequences is especially dangerous to children and
young adults.

1997 - 1998 Mercury Center.

Checked-by: Don Beck