By Adrienne Babbitt
College athletes who want muscle and women who seek weight loss are winding up in emergency rooms.
Researchers'' recent response is pointing fingers at dangerous substances in dietary supplements.
The supplements containing diuretics and ephedrine have been linked to dehydration and heart problems that can be life threatening, said Health Center Nutritionist Stacey Prince.
Serious problems can occur when dieters combine multiple products for a personalized medication, Brazilian Association of Manipulation Pharmacists Evandro Tokarski told the Wall Street Journal.
Brazil has recently cracked down on 4,500 pharmacies due to supplement related deaths and illnesses.
In recent months ephedrine has been scrutinized particularly for its use among athletes.
The Los Angeles Times reported that ephedrine has been linked to three football players who recently died: Northwestern''s Rashidi Wheeler, Florida State''s Davaughn Darling and Curtis Jones of a Utah-based team in a professional indoor football league.
Many coaches are worried that players are taking supplements without knowing all the ingredients.
The NCAA reported that 42 percent of college athletes use some form of nutritional supplement.
Prince warns that dosages of herbs and other substances in supplements can vary and large dosages of some vitamins can affect the natural absorption of others.
Supplements should only be used if there is a deficiency in the diet.
'I will never recommend a diet pill,' Prince said, 'There are no quick fixes. If you are really looking to improve your diet, eat better.' She suggests that one should consult a physician if consistent exercise and nutrition does not seem to give results.
Beth Blanco of Gold''s Gym in Provo said that many of the supplements can help if one takes them in moderation, eats right and exercises regularly. The fitness center sells protein meal supplements the most.
The Health Center will be offering a no-credit weekly weight management class starting Sept. 24 for those who want to improve their health naturally. Those interested should contact Prince prior to the first class.
The BYU Health Center''s Web site suggests that dieting habits should include a regular exercise program and eating right -- reducing fats and refined sugars, drinking plenty of water, increasing fruits and vegetables and eating balanced meals throughout the day.