Dr. Goldstein's Guide to Supplements, Vitamins, and Herbs
             *This guide is a limited list, it is not meant to be an exhaustive guide
Dr. Goldstein does not have financial,
research, or business interest in any
supplement, vitamin, mineral, or
additive.
This guide is not meant to encourage
or discourage the use of supplements.
CAUTION should be used with all
supplements- as most are not FDA
regulated.
As parents and patients become more exposed to nutrition and exercise supplements-
questions arise that are difficult for a doctor to answer- as most supplements have only
had limited scientific studies or none at all.

Here is a growing collection of what I have found in the medical media. The internet is filled
with advertising and "proven" testimonials of this herb or that supplement- it is far more
difficult to find facts based on placebo controlled studies without simple conclusions
based on coincidence or anecdotal stories. These stories are interesting and can cause
people to believe a cure is available in a simple mineral or herb. While we continue to learn
about new uses for over the counter medicines- your body and your pocket book should
use caution before ingesting something that may be "too good to be true"!
    Here are some Goldstein Guidelines to consider before you purchase that New Found Cure!

    1. If the list of what it can "fix" or "cure" is longer than three things- you should check some
    studies... something that claims to fix everything likely does absolutely nothing! It may not hurt you
    either--- but it could be a waste of money and a big disappointment.

    2. If it really does cure autism, cancer, or obesity- don't you think Pfizer or Merck would have
    studied it so they could sell it too? Often, "quacks" depend on people suffering from a disease
    that doesn't already have a proven cure- hoping that they will be desperate enough to try the
    product- which also doesn't work- but they are happy to take your money while you are finding that
    out.

    3. Something with no side effects and no precautions is called water! Everything that has a benefit
    also has a risk, if taken incorrectly, at the wrong dosage, or for the wrong reason. Over the
    counter medicines such as Tylenol, Fish oil, or Vitamin E has precautions- so if the supplement you
    are researching claims to be 100% safe and risk free- then likely a salesman, not a scientist, is
    trying to impress you.
    A Dr. Goldstein Editorial for Premier Level Youth Athletes and Vitamins

    I take vitamins. In fact, I take Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and fish oil every day. I take it because I believe,
    as a supplement to my eating, it does no harm, and may keep me healthier in the long run.

    While vitamins and minerals rarely cause negative side effects- there is one thing to consider as a
    parent of a high level adolescent athlete- and that is calories from food is GOOD! While most of
    America is becoming more unhealthy and participating in less exercise and possibly becoming one
    of the growing statistics of obesity in America- your child likely does NOT fit into this group.

    Marketers of vitamins suggest that the American public does not eat well or get enough while the
    truth is most people don't eat well and get TOO much! But, your child is different- he or she is
    actually using the calories they are eating (and probably using up more calories on some days than
    they are eating!) So- the typical American may be able to get by on less food and rely more on a
    vitamin to replace their essential nutrient intake- THIS IS NOT SAFE FOR YOUR YOUNG ATHLETE!

    Your child is influenced by the media, teachers, coaches, and yes... you! Teach them to eat correctly
    rather than believe a pill will be easier, faster, or as good. PILLS DO NOT REPLACE NUTRITION!

    Growing children (and especially those using up calories for exercise) need FOOD- not vitamins- to
    build strong bones, muscles, and brain! The truth is a vitamin will supply your body with 100% of
    Vitamin C and Vitamin E- but offer nothing for the calories needed for normal growth and the
    protection from stress fractures, fatigue, and potential eating disorders.

    Eating is the key!! Vitamins are meant to be a supplement to eating-
    never a replacement!

    Please read for further information:

    Calcium Supplement for Female Athletes

    Eating Right for Athletes

    Nutrition, The Race Car Analogy

    *This is not meant to be a specific recommendation for you or your child's diet/vitamin usage*

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USA SWIMMING NOTICE

July 20, 2010

Dear Swimmers and Coaches:

It is EXTREMELY important that you pay attention to my message.  

The National Team has had some recent serious challenges with drug testing. We are aware that some
athletes have been taking a supplement known as Jack3d.

This supplement contains an ingredient called  1, 3 Dimethylamylamine  (Geranium [stem]). This
ingredient will cause you to test POSITIVE in competition!

Please know that the National Team Division has been and will be target testing any athlete that we
believe has a chance to represent the USA in International competition.

This is done to prevent the TRAGEDY that occurred at the 2008 Olympic Trials from a positive test. You
will be tested. Testing positive will most likely result in a two-year

ban and a suspension from the next Olympics in London.

USA Swimming has been criticized by athletes and coaches for not providing “nutritional supplement
recommendations”. This is EXACTLY why we don’t and won’t do this.

If you take the risk, you may pay the price!  I hold coaches of World Class athletes RESPONSIBLE for
constant education and communication regarding this subject with their athletes.

This reflects on YOU, your athletes, your nation, and your sport.

Athletes are expected to:

1)         Keep your schedule current at all times.  There is no exception to this rule.

2)         Update your schedule prior to travel. There is no excuse for forgetting to update.

3)         Find a system to remind yourself to update. Implement that system.

4)         File paperwork prior to the established deadline. You receive reminders. Heed them.

5)         Check the status of all medications (OTC and Prescription) BEFORE you take them.

6)         Know the rules, the 2010 prohibited list, and your resources.

7)         Accept that Supplements are “Take at Your Own Risk”.

8)         Acknowledge that taking a supplement is a risk to reputation, health, career and team.

9)         Be an educated consumer if you elect to take that risk but know that you can’t eliminate it.

10)       Check the ingredients on all labels (“nutrition facts” and “supplement facts”) with USADA.

11)       Recognize that USADA has indicated that you cannot rely on “nutrition facts” labels.

12)       Remember that ingredients may be included that are not listed on the label.

13)       Realize that companies may say their product is ‘verified’ or ‘approved” without it being true.

14)       Know key words to look for and avoid:  “andro”, ”stimulant”, “energy booster”, “metabolism
booster”, “weight loss”, “reduce water retention” and “increase testosterone”.

15)       Beware of these substances:  1, 3 Dimethylamylamine, Methylhexaneamine, Dimethylpentylamine,
Geranamine, Geranium oil, or DMAA.

USA Swimming is the BEST swimming nation in the world. It is up to YOU to keep it the cleanest!

USA National Swimming Team