Methamphetamine-like Compound Found in Some Sports Nutrition Supplements

14 10 2013

Tests by scientists in the USA and South Korea have found that some manufacturers have secretly spiked their products with a chemical similar to methamphetamine. Researchers have found that Craze, a pre-workout powder made by Driven Sports and marketed as containing only natural ingredients contained N,alpha-diethylphenylethylamine. This chemical is more potent than ephedra.

NSF International announced that in separate testing they also have detected the same methamphetamine-like compound in the weight-loss supplement Detonate sold by Gaspari Nutrition. The labels on both products do not list this substance. Instead, “dendrobium extract” or “dendrobium orchid extract” is listed.

 

Remember, Supplements are not well regulated by the FDA and not all ingredients are listed on labels.
 
Make sure you check with a Sports RD prior to taking Sports Nutrition Supplements!
 
© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, 2013.

 

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Categories : Supplements

Not all Proteins are Created Equal

6 04 2011

New research has indicated that the amino acid, Leucine, is a key nutrient in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.  This is key to building new muscle and repairing any muscle damage present.  It appears that to maximize this muscle protein synthesis, people should eat 2-4 grams of leucine 3-5 times per day.  The following foods have leucine:

1 scoop of CytoSport Whey Isolate = 3.5 grams
1 cup of Cottage Cheese = 2.9 grams
3.5 oz Pork Loin = 2.5 grams
3.5 oz Lean Beef = 2.4 grams
3.5 oz Chicken Breast = 2.3 grams
3.5 oz Salmon = 2 grams
3 oz Canned Tuna = 1.7 grams
16 oz of Milk = 1.6 grams
2 Eggs = 1 gram
3 Egg Whites = 0.9 grams
6oz Yogurt = 0.9 grams
1 piece String Cheese = 0.7 grams

Bottom Line: It takes planning to maximize protein synthesis. We should try to get at least 2 grams of leucine multiple times during the day.

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, 2011.

 


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Categories : Gaining Muscle, Healthy Habits

Supplements to Avoid

16 03 2011

Geranium Oil is making a lot of news lately.  It is an ingredient in quite of few Pre-Workout supplements.  The most notable is Jack3d.  This ingredient has been tied to many failed drug tests.  Some unethical companies have used this ingredient to try to mask methylhexanamine in their product.  Methylhexanamine (MHA) is a stimulant that was originally created as a nasal decongestant.  This ingredient has been added to the WADA Banned Substance list and would fall under the stimulant category of the NCAA banned substance list.  The most recent and notable case was the failed drug test of Kolo Toure, a defender for Manchester City.

 
Bottom Line:  Avoid products that list any of the following ingredients:
Geranium Oil
Geranamine
Methylhexanamine or MHA
Dimethylamylamine or DMAA
4-methylhexan-2-amine
Floradrene
Forthan
2-hexanamine

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, 2011.

 


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Categories : Supplements

Healthy Fat Choices

23 02 2011

Research has shown the benefit of adding nuts to our diets.  Here are five nuts you should consider eating.

1. Almonds: Probably the most-studied nut for heart health.  The protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fatty acid components of almonds can improve cardiovascular function. The fiber in almonds can also block some of the fat calories from being absorbed.

2. Hazelnuts: Research shows that it is best to consume hazelnuts whole because many of its antioxidants are located in the hazelnut skin.

3. Pecans: Research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (June 2004) found that pecans rank highest among all nuts and are among the top category of foods to contain the highest antioxidant capacity.

4. Pistachios: Pistachios are suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties according to a recent study.

5. Walnuts: In addition to antioxidants and essential ALA/omega-3 fatty acids, a handful of walnuts are also a good source of magnesium (45 mg) and phosphorus (98 mg) – both important minerals involved the body’s processes and necessary for achieving optimal wellness.

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, 2011.

 


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Categories : Healthy Habits, Nutrients

Recipe: Ham and Egg Cups

18 02 2011

This is a great option for adding protein to your breakfast.  To have a complete breakfast, eat this with oatmeal and fruit.

(Yield: 6 servings)
Total Time: 20 minutes (conventional)

Ingredients:
6 slices of deli ham
6 raw eggs
1/2 cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese
6 Tbsp salsa
salt
pepper
cooking spray

Directions (Oven):
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray 6 cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Arrange ham slices so they line the muffin cup completely, edges will stick up above the cup.
4. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and break an egg into each cup, gently breaking yolk Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6.    Return to oven for 12 minutes.
7. If eggs are done to your liking, remove from oven. If not, continue to bake, checking eggs every minute.
8. Top with cheese & salsa. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information per Serving:

Calories   130 | Carbohydrates   3 g | Protein   13 g | Fat 7 g | Sat. Fat   3 g

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, 2011.


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Categories : Uncategorized

Eggs as a Protein Source

16 02 2011

It is no secret that high-quality protein may help active individuals build muscle strength. One egg provides 6 grams of protein. Eggs provide the highest quality protein found in any food because they provide all of the essential amino acids our bodies need in a near-perfect pattern. While many people think the egg white has all the protein, the yolk actually provides nearly half of it.  Consuming eggs following exercise is a great way to get the most benefits from exercise by encouraging muscle tissue repair and growth.

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS

 


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Categories : Gaining Muscle, Healthy Habits

Have Eggs Unfairly Gotten a Bad Rap?

14 02 2011

Decades ago researchers found that the cholesterol we eat really has no effect on the levels of cholesterol in the blood of most people. Yet, you will still hear people say that we should limit how many eggs we eat because of the level of cholesterol in them. Even if you are closely watching the amount of cholesterol you eat, one large egg only has 185mg of cholesterol. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people should eat less than 300mg of cholesterol daily. The two main nutrients that impact blood levels of cholesterol are Saturated and Trans Fat. It’s recommended that we eat less than 2 grams of trans fat and less than 10% of our calories from saturated fat daily. For most people, this averages to be less than 18 grams of saturated fat daily. The good news is one large egg only has 1.8 grams of saturated fat.

Bottom Line: You can safely enjoy an egg a day without worrying about your cholesterol.

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS and Randy Bird Sports Nutrition, 2011.


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Categories : Healthy Habits

Recipe: Black Bean Soup

21 01 2011

(Yield:  6 servings)
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
¼ cup chopped onion (I use frozen)
¼ cup chopped green peppers (I use frozen)
1 cup frozen corn
2 cans black beans
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup salsa
2 tsp cumin
1/4 cup lime juice

For an extra kick:
1 TBSP chili powder
¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

Directions:
1. Sauté the onions and peppers in the oil.
2. Set one can of black beans and corn to the side.
3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a blender and puree.
4. Pour the puree into the pot with the onions and peppers.
5. Add remaining can of black beans and corn, and heat through.

Nutritional information per Serving:
Calories   255 | Carbohydrates   45 g | Fiber   14 g | Protein   15 g | Fat 2 g | Sat. Fat   0 g

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, 2011.


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Categories : Recipes

Steroids found in products sold on Amazon.com

19 01 2011

It has been a little over a year since the FDA raided Bodybuilding.com for selling products with steroids.  Last month, they issued a warning letter to manufacturers regarding the sale of supplements that contain pharmaceutical ingredients and steroids.  The number of these products are decreasing, but they are still available.  This post is to serve as a reminder to athletes to be careful what they buy.

The Washington Post reported today that products sold on Amazon.com were found to contain steroids.  Two of the steroids found were methasterone and maldol (desoxymethlytestosterone).  Maldol was one of the designer steroids discovered during the BALCO doping scandal.  Products like these have been tied to health complications such as liver failure.

Two of the products named were Competitive Edge Labs M-Drol & Competitive Edge Labs P-Plex.

Bottom Line: Know what you are putting into your body.  Discuss supplement use with a Sports Dietitian and look for products that are tested by a third party, such as NSF, BSCG, or Informed Choice.

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS


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Categories : Healthy Habits

Cranberries: Not Just for the Holidays

15 12 2010

Cranberries have compounds called phytonutrients that impart antimicrobial benefits. The six main phytonutrients in cranberries are proanthocyanidin, tocotrienols, quercetin, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These phytonutrients are what give cranberries the ability to help protect against urinary tract infections. However, these nutrients do so much more. They are all powerful antioxidants that help protect the body free radicals. In addition to that, studies have found these phytonutrients:
1. Improve heart health.
2. May protect against some forms of cancer.
3. Act as a natural anti-histamine.
4. Act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
5. Strengthen our immune system.
6. Increase endurance capacity.

Bottom Line: There are multiple reasons to eat cranberries throughout the year.

© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS

 


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Categories : Healthy Habits

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