Why Dietary supplements do not speed up a child's growth?
Dietary supplements do not "speed up" a child's growth and development:
- There is no scientific evidence that mega doses of supplements improve athletic performance, give athletes a competitive advantage or compensate for a lack of training or natural athletic ability.
- The full short- and long-term impact of dietary supplements (vitamin/mineral supplements, ergogenic aids, and herbs) is virtually unknown.
- Large doses of vitamins and minerals can actually be dangerous, and growing children and adolescents are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse effects.
- Supplements create false impressions and encourage bad eating habits.
- For example, an athlete may erroneously associate improved performance with whatever supplements he happens to be taking instead of attributing his progress to training, hard work and a balanced diet.
- This type of false reinforcement may also lead the young athlete to try other types of supplements and substances (such as drugs and steroids), with potentially disastrous consequences.
- These may be expensive.