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EPHEDRA AND YOUNG ATHLETES
Education and caution vital for parents, coaches and athletes The toxicology report on Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechler released today implicates the use of the herbal supplement ephedra in his death, and underscores once more the dangers of ephedra use, particularly when combined with other risk factors.
Today, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) urged increased awareness of how the use of ephedra can adversely affect the health of young athletes. Those in a position to influence the behavior of young athletes, such as parents, coaches and youth sports governing organizations, should be aware of the dangers of ephedra, the dietary supplement considered a factor in several deaths and adverse health events in athletes in recent years. The consumption of ephedra, also known as "ma huang," leads to increases in metabolism and in heart rate. People who exercise and/or train for competition in sporting events are exposed to risk because ephedra may impair the body's ability to cool itself, thereby increasing the potential for heat-related illness during exercise. This fact only begins to address the dangers the supplement can pose to youth. "Young people don't sweat as much as adults, so they don't have the same ability to naturally adjust their body temperatures while exercising," said ACSM President Edward T. Howley, Ph.D., FACSM. "ACSM is particularly concerned that products containing ephedra are so readily available to children and adolescents who may not be aware of these dangers." |
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Howley also notes young athletes often use ephedra for weight loss or to enhance athletic performance, and are placing a greater emphasis on peak performance at an earlier age. "There are many factors which may negatively influence a young athlete's decision to use products containing ephedra," he adds. "It is critical that we stress more appropriate methods of increasing physical fitness and gaining the competitive advantages they seek." ACSM joins other concerned organizations that have publicly cautioned against the use of ephedra. Concern centers on increased risk of heart irregularities, disturbances of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal problems, and stroke. Although some athletes may consume ephedra in an attempt to improve their athletic performance and reach physical goals, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Young people can easily access products containing ephedra. Ephedra is not currently regulated as are other drugs which pose similar health threats. Ephedra, or its synthetic form ephedrine, can be found in a variety of over-the-counter asthma, cold, and allergy medications as a bronchodilator and decongestant. There is no federal age restriction for purchasing such products. The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 International, National and Regional members are dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life. |
ACSM also points to the increased risk of health problems when caffeine and ephedra are used together. Some athletes will engage in the dangerous practice of "stacking," or using ephedra and caffeine at the same time, possibly in combination with other supplements, to achieve enhanced athletic performance or weight loss. Also, the use of ephedra coupled with casual consumption of caffeine, like that found in soda, may enhance the dangers of the product.
"Young people may not be aware of the dangers of these substances, particularly when they are combined," says ACSM spokesperson Gary Wadler, M.D., FACSM. "When ephedra and caffeine work hand-in-hand, heat production and the stimulatory effects will be that much greater, and so will the risk." Also, the levels of the active chemicals in supplements can vary significantly from product to product and from batch to batch. This is a significant problem in light of the potential adverse side effects associated with ephedra-containing products.
ACSM contends that the use of ephedra or any dietary supplement should not substitute proper physical conditioning and nutrition. Athletes of all ages and at any level of competition should be instructed on the proper methods of getting in shape for sports performance, safely achieving a desired weight through diet and exercise, and acclimatizing for exercise in the heat. Parents, coaches, and sports governing agencies should be leaders in promoting health and fair play, particularly among young athletes.
ACSM applauds the growing attention by U.S. governmental bodies to ephedra's wide availability and its potential risks. Several members of Congress are considering the introduction of bills related to ephedra. The Food and Drug Administration may soon require a warning on products containing ephedra. Action also is being taken at the community level, as witnessed when a law banning the sale of ephedra recently passed in Suffolk County, New York. ACSM encourages parents, coaches, and all Americans concerned with accessibility and lack of regulation of ephedra to express their concerns to their governmental representatives in Congress and their communities.
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