What is the difference between healthy sports supplements and dodgy ‘fat burners’?

Three experts explain to Joanna Kiernan the differences between dodgy unregulated ‘fat burner’ products, and a healthy supplement plan as part of your fitness regime

Fitness supplements are so widely consumed these days that we all have some knowledge of the area, even if it is just peripheral. From the massive powder-filled tubs to the tiny promises of super energy surges in little packets like stars in a real life Super Mario Brothers game, the Irish fitness market is saturated with choice. There are stand-alone fitness supplements shops on almost every corner and protein bars in every petrol station; suddenly it is not just trendy to be health conscious, to ‘eat clean’ and ‘train mean,’ it is a way of life.

According to a recent Euromonitor report, protein powders are the most popular type of sports nutrition product in Ireland, with ready-to-drink protein products close behind. Between 2012 and 2013, Ireland’s protein bar market grew by 9.5%, and has continued to skyrocket ever since.