Why You should Consult with a Sports Dietitian Before Starting Supplements

Written by: Keniel Vega, asistente de dietista/interno; Rocío Rivera-Ortega, MS, RD, LND; Tatiana Velez, MS, RD, LND, CPT

A silver scoop with creatine powder inside on top of more creatine supplement powder beneath.

Supplements are not regulated or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Supplements do not have the same classification as food products; therefore, they can be marketed as solutions for certain issues. However, they may contain undisclosed ingredients that can lead to short- or long-term health problems, such as acute liver or kidney damage. In addition, they may be contaminated or adulterated with unwanted substances and, in some cases, even banned sports substances.

Dosage can vary by person

A highly important factor to consider is serving size. Marketed supplements may contain large amounts of an ingredient, which can exceed the nutritional needs and requirements of the athlete or consumer. As a result, this may lead to adverse health effects, and excess amounts are often excreted through urine.

Medications and supplements can interact

Supplements can interact negatively with certain medications. This is especially important for individuals or athletes with medical conditions who are taking prescribed medications.

Product quality

When consulting with a registered dietitian and sports nutrition specialist, each supplement is evaluated based on its quality, efficacy, and safety.

Pseudoscience vs. reality

Social media, the internet, and health commentators without proper credentials can create confusion, making supplement benefits appear convincing. However, something sounding convincing does not make it true. A registered dietitian can provide individualized, evidence-based guidance to determine whether a supplement is necessary and, if so, help select a safe and appropriate product.