Problem
Scenario
Jenny and Tom are regulars at the gym on campus. Jenny concentrates on aerobic workouts while Tom lifts weights; both are trying to look better as well as stay fit. Their friends see them in the gym almost daily and ask them how they manage to find the energy and time to work out. Jenny admits to using a particular dietary supplement - advertised in the media and in some convenience stores - that seems to help her lose weight while giving her more energy. She doesn't know much about what's in the substance, except that it contains ephedra. Jenny assumes it's safe because it can be bought over the counter. She also drinks a variety of energy drinks that have ginseng, ginkgo, and guarana in them. She doesn't know exactly what these things are - except that ginseng is "some kind of root" - but they all seem very popular and she feels like she has more energy when she drinks them. Meanwhile, Tom takes a protein supplement with creatine in it to add bulk to his arms, chest, and legs for more power.
Thinking It Over
All too often, people buy new products without actually understanding what the ingredients do. It doesn't often occur to people that even easily-obtainable supplements may potentially have side effects. Many people believe that large amounts of supplements must be even better for them than small amounts, but this idea increases the potential for problems. What positive benefits are there from taking supplements? Why do you think people buy products they know so little about? Where can you find information to make intelligent decisions about supplement use?
Conclusions
Look at the initial scenario describing Jenny and Tom again, and a paragraph or two using these questions to share an enlightened perspective. Why would Jenny want to go beyond a traditional weight training and aerobics regimen to achieve weight loss? What are the potential side effects? Should she recommend her unconventional methods to others? What about Tom giving his weight lifting program a boost with his protein supplement? How much should they trust what they hear? Why do you think this that dietary and herbal supplements are becoming such a large industry today? How can consumers protect themselves against claims that might put them at risk for further problems?