Supplements, Sin and Safety
What Products Can Christians Use In Good Faith?

Each of us wants to stay physically fit. Not only is it human nature to want to look and feel good, but it is also a God-given responsibility. Indeed, Paul even poses this question in 1 Corinthians 6:19: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"

In their quests to obtain well-toned, athletic physiques, many people use some form of nutritional supplement. These can range from a simple multivitamin or mineral tablet to popular performance-enhancing substances such as ephedrine or creatine. Opinions vary upon the safety and effectiveness of such supplements, with some arguing that they are helpful and harmless if used correctly and others claiming that they are dangerous and potentially deadly.

That said, is it morally acceptable for Christians to take such supplements? Would God approve and, if so, is there a line between acceptable and unacceptable substances?

"First and foremost, God created this earth so that we would have everything we need to take care of our minds and bodies," says Larry Glicken, Founder of Complete Life Nutrition < www.completelifenutrition.com > and Complete Life Ministries < www.completelifeministries.com >. But according to Glicken, modern farming techniques - as well as certain types of fertilizers and pesticides used in modern agriculture - have robbed plants of the vitamins and minerals that they had originally possessed.

"In order for man to stay healthy as God intended we need to supplement our diets with good quality vitamins and minerals," Glicken says. However, he does draw a line between naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, and unnatural performance-enhancing substances. "I am not saying that athletes should use chemicals to help their ability, but I am saying in order for their body to stay healthy and to replenish the nutrients they use during a performance they need to supplement with good vitamins and minerals."

So where is the line drawn? Over and over again, respected athletes are dropping like flies to steroid and performance enhancing drug charges. Steroid abuse is at an all time high and the pressure to perform well in sports from society to peers and parents continues to grow. Steroids is an obvious dangerous drug, but some are not so apparent. So let’s get to business and examine a do and don’t list of supplements.

Do’s

1. Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene may limit or repair the stress that can cause muscle damage during exercise. Health studies have yet to prove that antioxidant supplements can improve athletic performance, but some experts consider that these supplements can guard against damage during training and competition.
2. Caffeine
Studies have shown that caffeine may improve endurance and possibly even strength. Also, caffeine may increase the muscles' fuel-burning abilities, and extend the amount of stored sugar available for energy use. Runners and cyclists have reported being able to run/cycle greater-than-normal-distance after a couple of cups of coffee. But caffeine can also speed muscle contraction, which can lead to cramps.
3. Chromium Picolinate
This mineral has gained recent popularity for its abilities to improve glucose (blood sugar) tolerance and reduce blood serum cholesterol levels. According to the Medical Tribune, a few studies have suggested that supplementing the diet with this mineral may help reduce body fat without cutting caloric intake.

Wild Card:
Creatine
Creatine is heavily debated because of a lack of research. Creatine is a quickly available source of energy for muscle contraction. Creatine is also involved in muscle growth. The problem is that it has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of creatine may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been a few cases involving damage to the liver and kidneys after the use of Creatine, however creatine has not been proven to be the cause of these issues. These facts aside, it has been proven to decrease muscle fatigue and increase strength performance. This is one of those to be careful with, and if you decide to take it, drink plenty of water and analyze side effects closely.

Don’t’s

1. Carnitine
There is still much controversy about this vitamin-like amino acid. Although carnitine helps the metabolism of fat, experts are divided as to whether it can also improve athletic performance and stamina. For example, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests that there are "insufficient research data" available for using carnitine as a performance enhancer.
2. Bee Pollen
This is rich in many essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, but studies have been unable to establish a clear link between this diet food supplement and fitness performance.
3. Ephedrine, Ephedra, Ma Huang, Epitonin
Products containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra, ma huang, or epitonin) are best avoided. Sold as energy boosters and weight loss supplements, these products can interact dangerously with a variety of prescription drugs and, in large enough doses, can cause fatalities. In 1999, the Center for Science in the Public Interest reported that ephedra caused more than 38 deaths and 800 undesirable effects. The FDA has now banned the sale of products containing ephedra..
4. Vitamin B15
Although Russian animal studies indicate that vitamin B15 may enhance metabolism, at least four major American studies discovered no connection between its use and an increase in fitness. Indeed, this product is so suspect that the Food and Drug Administration forbids its sale.

If you are considering performance enhancing drugs, weight loss meds or energy boosters, make sure you not only consult with your doctor but give it to the Lord and ask him to give you either a peace or conviction about the supplements. And remember there is never a perfect quick fix, good things will come with hard work, determination and time. While some of these natural supplements and vitamins are good, God has given our bodies naturally all they need to perform well, as long as they are taken care of properly.

Sources:
BBC Health
PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Health™
Website: www.pdrhealth.com/content/nutrition_health/chapters/fgnt21.shtml
www.annecollins.com
www.completelifenutrition.com
http://health.yahoo.com/drug/d04417a1

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