NFHS Issues Warning on Supplements

NFHS expresses concern about use of supplements
For Immediate Release Contact: Jerry Diehl

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 8, 2002) - In response to an increasing concern about the use of supplements by student-athletes at the high school level, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has reiterated its stance against improper use of these products, which are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and which contain potentially harmful ingredients such as creatine, ephedrine or excessive amounts of caffeine.

In 1998, the NFHS issued a position statement on the use of drugs, medications and supplements by participants in interscholastic sports. With current empirical data indicating continued widespread use of such products by persons of high school age, the NFHS, through its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, reminds leaders in the nation's 18,000 high schools of the key points of that statement: "All student-athletes and their parents/guardians should consult with their physicians before taking any supplement product. In addition, coaches and school staff should not recommend or supply any supplement product to student-athletes."

The statement was issued at the request of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and was intended to serve as a strongly worded warning to student-athletes, parents and school officials. The warning reminded all interested parties that medications, supplements and consumables purporting to enhance strength and/or endurance should be ingested, if at all, only in accordance with applicable laws, manufacturer's dosage limits and the advice of one's own health-care provider.

"Because of the reported high level of supplement usage by teenagers, the NFHS is asking that its warning be given increased emphasis by all interested parties," said Jerry Diehl, NFHS assistant director and staff liaison to the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

The NFHS recently published the second edition of the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook, a 96-page publication that contains information on supplements, as well as many other medical, equipment and administrative issues. The first edition in 2001 was distributed to high schools throughout the country through the NFHS' member state high school associations. The current edition is available at a cost of $14.95, plus shipping and handling, and can be purchased by contacting NFHS customer service at 800-776-3462.

NFHS Position Statement on Supplements