Are fitness supplements healthy to take, or can they have negative effects on the body?

By Dan Ritchey

     I was curious to know whether or not the wide variety of available workout supplements were actually safe for people to take. What I found was that most supplements are not regulated by the FDA and some contain harmful ingredients. Registered dietician Christina Meyer-Jax says stay away from these chemicals. “The tough part about some of them that are out there is that they contain both vasodilators and central nervous system or cardiac stimulants,” Meyer-Jax said. “When you combo those two together, that can cause a really heavy load on your heart and your blood pressure.” Her advice for fueling a good workout is a combination of natural foods. “What you’re really looking for is carbohydrates, you’re looking for protein and you are definitely looking for some fluid. Your body is going to need all of those things to fuel a really good workout,” Meyer-Jax said.

References:
Minnesota. (2013, April 12). 'It's Like Crack': Doctor On Pre-Workout Supplement Ingredient « CBS Minnesota. CBS Minnesota. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/04/12/its-like-crack-doctor-on-pre-workout-supplement/