Most of us can relate to at least one of these issues:

1. Tried supplements – no results.   Skeptical, since most supplements carry claims that don’t come through.

2. Tried various training programs – no real progress.

3. Frustration – Busy, hectic, demanding lifestyle that makes accomplishing a physical conditioning goal seem impossible.  And sometimes the effort you invest feels like spinning wheels and getting nowhere.

5. Confusion – so many diet principles, so many supplements….what do you do?

I’m going to address parts of these issues in my blog each week.  This week it’s:

THE SUPPLEMENT SNAFU:

Many of us have tried supplements with disappointing results.   It’s easy (and wise) to become skeptical of the many products blaring out claims that don’t come through.  So, what’s going on here?

• Inadequate product quality:  Cutting corners with a “Quick Buck – Big Buck” corporate mentality.
• Confusion:  Choosing the right product for the right purpose (goal) and using it correctly = results.
• Get your ducks in line first (!!!) – Supplements (and drugs) don’t do the work for us, they accelerate and optimize an otherwise properly structured diet and training program.  First things first!

There are countless products out there with pseudo-pharmaceutical names, undisclosed “proprietary blends”, and meat-head promo jargon all competing for your dollar (MANY dollars!).  To confuse things even more, there are different quality levels and loopholes in manufacturing so what you read on a label may or may not be what’s actually in the product.  I have an extensive background in Nutrition & Dietetics, worked with the FDA on a fraud case, and even worked in the supplement industry for 10 years, and I still struggle with getting through all the BS to understand what the heck a product is.  But I discovered a place to start and in many cases it’s all I needed to know:  Just call the company and ask what their manufacturing standard is.

There are 2 standards.  1. Medical / Pharmaceutical Grade and 2. Commercial Grade:

Medical / pharmaceutical grade standards – you know exactly what you’re getting.  No loopholes, no hidden fillers, etc.  The product is made by the same standards (and often facilities) that pharmaceutical medications are made.  Companies that go through this kind of expense and trouble are usually knowledgeable and more than happy to share information with you.

Commercial grade manufacturing isn’t so easy to evaluate.  FDA regulation states that product purity must be 90%, give or take 10%.  With the kind of money saved in taking advantage of that ‘give or take 10%’ rule you can pretty much count on the best commercial grades being around 80% pure.  I ask the company what kind of quality control protocols they have (if any) and if they can share batch assay reports with me.  Many times I get a deer-in-headlights response.  If this ‘huh?’ response goes all the way up the company ladder then I write that company off and go to the next.  Sometimes I get sales-speak and spin instead of answers.  That makes me mad (and is what prompted me to get FDA & FBI involvement in that one case).  Sometimes I get a reply of, “I don’t know but let me see what I can find out and get back with you”…..and they actually do get back with me!  This is a company worth trying.

Other ways you can fish through the sea of supplements:

Don’t let flashy advertisements guide your choices.  Ask someone experienced in physique conditioning (you may have to pay but if it won’t stress your budget then it’s worth it).  Read what reputable boards have to say (keeping in mind that many sites have their own product lines they’re selling).  Ask people in the gym who you notice are making noticeable progress or have achieved a level of conditioning you aspire towards.  If you compete, ask the winners and high placers in your competition events.

And look for a company willing to give you solid information (like article references, assays, etc.) rather than hyped up market speak.  Then, just experiment.  Try one new thing at a time.  Don’t make any huge changes in diet or training, etc. during this time.  Give it enough time to do its thing.  Then decide if the results are worth the cost.