Sometimes in the course of training, an athlete considers taking an ergonomic aid. These supplements are sometimes allowed or banned through national and world associations that regulate banned substances. It is up to the coach and athlete to ensure the athlete does not utilize a banned substance and suffer suspension from her sport.
One supplement that an athlete could try is sports drinks. Sports drinks contain dissolved minerals and carbohydrates, which means its osmolality more closely matches that of body fluids and it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream (Fitzgerald, 2011). Sports drinks contain electrolytes lost in sweat and carbohydrates for energy. They are an excellent source for fueling and hydration and can boost endurance in exertions lasting 60 minutes or longer (USADA, n.d.).
The optimal sports drink contains 15 mg of sodium per ounce and 13-19 g of carbohydrates per 8 ounces. A small amount of protein in the drink may aid in fluid retention and hydration (Fitzgerald, 2011). The athlete should consume 1.5-4 cups per hour, depending on the intensity and length of activity (USADA, n.d.). The sodium and nutrients in sports drinks play an important role in regulating fluid balance in the body.
Panax ginseng is a plant that some athletes use for an edge in their sport. Panax ginseng claims include improved thinking, concentration, memory, stamina, athletic endurance, coping with stress, depression, chronic fatigue, and boosts in the immune system (MedlinePlus, 2012).
Panax ginseng is possibly effective for memory and reaction times but possibly ineffective in improving athletic performance. After an 8-week trial, supplementing with panax ginseng had no effect with endurance or performance of healthy males (Engels and Wirth, 1997). Panax ginseng was found to be possibly safe for the short-term, but the athlete should avoid using it with caffeine or other stimulants as they all speed up the nervous system.
Even though both the United States Anti-Doping Association (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) do not have sports drinks or ginseng on their banned substances list, the athlete would need to proceed cautiously with both. Given that there is no evidence that ginseng provides an athletic edge, there is no need for the athlete to utilize it. Given that triathlons generally last an hour or longer, sports drinks may be beneficial as a quick, easy way to replenish electrolytes while racing. However, the athlete needs to check if the sports drink will affect her digestive system during the off-season.
If the athlete decides to use a banned substance in order to get an athletic edge, it would be best to advise her to stop and utilize legal supplements. The banned substances are no only cheating but also can be dangerous. The WADA and USADA ban specific substances based on the history of danger to the athlete. If the risk of using the substance is too high, it becomes banned. If the athlete wishes to have a long, rewarding career with a possibility of coaching in the future, she needs to stay away fro the banned substances.
References:
Engels, Hermann & Wirth, John (1997) No Ergogenic Effects of Ginseng (Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer) during Graded Maximal Aerobic Exercise. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol 97, Issue 10: 1110-1115. Elsevier
Fitzgerald, Matt (2011) Which Fluid Hydrates Best: Water or a Sports Drink? Retrieved on April 30, 2012, from www.active.com/running/Articles/which_fluid_hydrates_best_water_or_a_sports_drink.htm
MedlinePlus (2012) Ginseng, Panax. Retrieved on April 30, 2012, from www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1000.html
USADA (n.d.) Hydration. Retrieved on April 30, 2012, from www.usantidoping.org/fuel/hydration_text.aspx
WADA (n.d.) Retrieved on April 30, 2012, from www.wada-ama.org.
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