Teen Supplement Use and Safety

Supplements are not regulated by health agencies and can be bought without a prescription. This means that teenagers could accidentally take too much or not enough, which could lead to health problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against performance-enhancing supplements for teenagers under 18. This is because there isn't enough research on their safety and they might be risky for young people.

Teenagers should focus on healthy habits like eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, training and conditioning, and getting enough sleep and rest. These healthy habits are more important than supplements for overall well-being.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that young athletes avoid pre-workout supplements and energy drinks because there's not enough research on their safety for teenagers.

Products with caffeine, ephedra, or synephrine can cause anxiety, restlessness, racing heart, or an irregular heartbeat. These stimulants can have negative effects on teens.

Anabolic steroids are strongly discouraged for bodybuilding or performance enhancement in teenagers by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

High doses of protein supplements can cause side effects like thirst, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, poor appetite, and tiredness.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin C and E is higher than the doses typically used for exercise and athletic performance. But taking too much can cause side effects.

Taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and other gastrointestinal disturbances

Taking too much vitamin E can increase the risk of hemorrhagic effects, which means excessive bleeding.

Products consumed in addition to a regular diet, typically to provide concentrated nutrients derived from food, allowing users to obtain higher dosages of specific nutrients.

Supplements are generally not essential for reaching body composition goals, and their impact on overall body composition is minimal. However, they might offer small benefits in specific contexts.

A stimulant found in coffee and energy drinks, sometimes used as a supplement for increased alertness and performance. It can be helpful in short bursts but overuse can lead to negative effects.

A naturally occurring compound found in animal meat that can help increase muscle mass and strength when taken as a supplement. It's especially useful for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

A concentrated form of protein, often used by athletes or individuals aiming to increase muscle mass or recovery after exercise. It's not a substitute for a balanced diet.

A powder form of essential amino acids, often used by athletes to improve recovery and muscle building. Essential amino acids are those your body can't produce on its own, so they need to be obtained through diet or supplements.

High glycemic carbohydrate drinks and gels, used by athletes to quickly replenish energy stores during or after intense physical activity. However, they should not be a primary source of carbohydrates, and excessive consumption can lead to health problems.

A combination of supplements taken together, often focused on achieving a specific goal, such as improving athletic performance or gaining muscle mass. However, it's essential to choose supplements based on individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional.

Supplements are not regulated in the same way as medications, meaning their quality and efficacy can vary. Additionally, unsupervised use can lead to overdosing or adverse effects.

While supplements might offer some benefits, prioritizing a balanced healthy diet should be the primary focus for any teenager. They should focus on eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods.