Supplements add fuel to controversy

THE controversial topic of sports supplements came into focus again yesterday with the launch of Pro-Performance, a company bidding to provide elite athletes with the products, training and education to maximise their sporting potential.

Jointly spearheaded by Clare hurler Tony Griffin, Pro-Performance will provide complimentary workshops to all athletes with a special focus on their overall nutritional requirements.

However, it is the range of sports supplements, which includes protein products, creatine products, vitamins and minerals, on sale through the Elvery’s sports store chain, that will attract the most attention.

Last December, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) held a conference in Clontarf Castle.

Their advice on supplements was very simple - don’t take them.

It’s a view shared by the Irish Sports Council and the GPA.

Griffin accepts players haven’t always taken the most reputable supplements in the past but points out that the Pro-Performance range is of the highest standard and conforms to all the requirements of various sporting bodies, both nationally and internationally.

Further, he was anxious to point out that their products were not bulk products, but protein products being made available exclusively through Elvery’s to ensure they could be bought only where there was some educational advice at the point of sale.

The range has been available in ten stores for six weeks on a pilot scheme with a strong response from various codes.

Speaking about the needs of GAA players in particular yesterday, Griffin said: “Players are playing an almost professional game at this stage but maybe they haven’t always been taking the right supplements.

“We are hoping to give them the information on the right supplements, the right diet, the right training,” who added that the Limerick footballers, Galway hurlers and a handful of northern teams had already made contact.

“For some players maybe their diet is good enough anyway. They won’t need supplements. Other players are taking maybe the cheapest supplement out there. It’s important to take a supplement that has been tested as this has.” Pro-Performance co-founder Richard Roecker described as unfair and inaccurate the comments of many in relation to supplements.

“You always have the perception question when it comes to supplements. Some products, in my opinion, have had a very unfair press. Creatine, for example, has been painted in an unfair light. Creatine is a natural substance but one that has to be used properly. In Europe and North America, hospitals are using Creatine to treat illnesses.”

Speaking about sports supplements in general yesterday, not just those offered by Pro-Performance, ISC spokesman Paul McDermott reiterated the Council’s stance on the matter but urged people using any such products to be aware of what they were taking.

“It’s a very broad area. In general, we don’t like the idea of people using supplements. International experience would suggest that there are concerns over the way they are processed and we’re not convinced that there is an overwhelming need for them anyway.

“Every athlete is responsible for themselves but we would urge people to be cautious on a product by product basis. Consult your sporting body. GAA players should talk with the county medical officer, before taking anything. Safety first is the way to look at this.”