Canadian regulations on muscle-building supplements show gaps, risking youth health. Authors propose stricter testing, sales restrictions, and enhanced recall powers for Health Canada.
A recent policy analysis revealed that muscle-building dietary supplements, such as whey protein, are loosely regulated by federal Canadian policy.
A recent policy analysis, published in the journal Performance Enhancement & Health, has brought attention to multiple shortcomings in the Canadian policy concerning muscle-building dietary supplements. These supplements, which include whey protein, creatine monohydrate, and amino acids<div class="cell text-container large-6 small-order-0 large-order-1">
<div class="text-wrapper"><br />Amino acids are a set of organic compounds used to build proteins. There are about 500 naturally occurring known amino acids, though only 20 appear in the genetic code. Proteins consist of one or more chains of amino acids called polypeptides. The sequence of the amino acid chain causes the polypeptide to fold into a shape that is biologically active. The amino acid sequences of proteins are encoded in the genes. Nine proteinogenic amino acids are called "essential" for humans because they cannot be produced from other compounds by the human body and so must be taken in as food.<br /></div>
</div>” data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]”>amino acids, are commonly consumed for their purported benefits relating to muscle growth and recovery. Currently, their regulation falls under the Natural Health Products Regulations governed by Health Canada.
“We identified many gaps in the current policy that put young people at risk,” reported Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “Namely, there lacks a serious and consistent method of ensuring manufacturing sites and products are safe and unadulterated or contaminated.”
Identified Gaps and Concerns
The authors underscore the need for greater regulations given their prior research that has documented that over 80% of boys and young men report using whey protein and over 50% report using creatine monohydrate.
“These dietary supplements are widely available and easily accessible despite the potential for being adulterated with banned substances,” continued Ganson. “We also know that use of muscle-building dietary supplements is linked with eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, illicit substance use, and future use of anabolic-androgenic steroids.”
The authors provide a number of pre- and post-market recommendations to strength policy to protect the health and well-being of Canadians.
“Several strategies may be used to deter use, such as imposing a tax to these supplements, as well as restricting sale to those under 18 years old,” noted Ganson.
Recommendations for Policy Strengthening
The authors also recommend enhanced pre- and post-market testing of manufacturing sites and products, increased ability for Health Canada to recall products, and improved monitoring of adverse events.
Reference: “Assessing Canadian regulation of muscle-building supplements: Identifying gaps and recommendations for improvement to protect the health and well-being of young people” by Kyle T. Ganson, Eliana Sinicropi and Jason M. Nagata, 7 September 2023, Performance Enhancement & Health.
DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2023.100255
The study was funded by the Richard B. Splane Applied Social Policy and Social Innovation Fund and the National Institutes of HealthThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. Founded in 1887, it is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIH conducts its own scientific research through its Intramural Research Program (IRP) and provides major biomedical research funding to non-NIH research facilities through its Extramural Research Program. With 27 different institutes and centers under its umbrella, the NIH covers a broad spectrum of health-related research, including specific diseases, population health, clinical research, and fundamental biological processes. Its mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.” data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]”>National Institutes of Health.
Source: SciTechDaily
