Protein Supplements

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My son has been using some protein supplements in an effort to not lose weight while he is working out for track and in preparation for reporting as a Scholar in July. Is there any chance that any of these over the counter supplements will cause him a problem with the urinalysis that is done upon reporting? He is planning on asking the academy medical staff but I thought I would post the question on here to see if anybody would know.
Thanks.
 
I know we've been told here that a certain protien shake called Jack3d is no longer permitted for use by USCG members because it causes the urinalysis to pop positive for Methanphetamines. This is a pretty recent one, so be weary.
 
I would knock off all that stuff for at least 45 days before a blood/urine test. It might be OK, but it is all fairly unregulated. One surely does not want to be surprised by a bad result and be staring at your shoes saying hummata hummata hummata.
 
Safe, Clean Athletic Supplements

I have several friends running on scholarship at Florida based schools. The coaches at these schools enthusiastically recommend protein and vitamin supplements from Hammer Nutrition, which are specifically designed for endurance athletes.
 
I have several friends running on scholarship at Florida based schools. The coaches at these schools enthusiastically recommend protein and vitamin supplements from Hammer Nutrition, which are specifically designed for endurance athletes.

I would recommend everyone to stay away from a product that is being pushed by a first-time poster here.

Research the name "Rebekah Keat" and learn how she tested positive for steroids four years ago after using these products.

Amber Neben et al v. Hammer Nutrition

American cyclist Amber Neben, along with professional triathletes Rebekah Keat and Mike Vine, filed a lawsuit in a California district court last December against Hammer Nutrition, maker of Endurolytes. The lawsuit alleges that the product contained unlisted substances that caused all three plaintiffs to produce positive doping tests, and that further resulted in subsequent doping violations and sanctions
 
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I would recommend everyone to stay away from a product that is being pushed by a first-time poster here.

Research the name "Rebekah Keat" and learn how she tested positive for steroids four years ago after using these products.

My two cents...are you going to the academy to be an athlete, or to be an officer? Can you get a commission without taking supplements? Can you get dismissed by using supplements? Considering that caffeine is considered a performance enhancing drug by the NCAA, what's it worth to take the supplements?

There are many supplements out there that are chemically similar to banned substances. My opinion: cut out anything that comes in a pill, powder, or mix form unless specifically directed by a doctor or nutritionist. That way you don't go wrong when Operation Golden Flow comes around.
 
There is a very serious difference between "protein" and "preworkout". Jack3d is a product that is VERY different from a protein shake, and calling it that simply isn't accurate in the slightest. While I would make sure to check with the Academy staff before using any product you feel is questionable, almost every male cadet at the academy has some form of protein in their room. Protein or mass gainer is very common, because playing sports, with only 3 meals a day, and running 18-19 hour days, it is next to impossible to get the nutrients you need in order to gain weight or in some cases not to lose drastic amounts of weight due to a change in lifestyle.

Preworkout or testosterone supplements, on the other hand, are FAR more risky and overall run a higher risk of testing positive for something. BUT even jack3d is, by all respectable accounts, perfectly fine for consumption during a drug test period. I have used this product, and others, during 3 Academy drug tests and passed, after consultation with strength coaches, etc. Would I recommend doing that? Probably not.
 
Recommend your son stop taking these 60-90 days out to be honest to be safe. I would also ensure you are sticking to reputable brands that are thoroughly researched. I was an athlete at USNA and the only supplements we were allowed to take were what the training staff provided for us. So many of these products with labels that said they were "safe", "NCAA approved", or any other label they put on there were proven false when sent to labs for testing by the staff. Just an example of how important it is to truly know what is going in your body and not believe everything you read. I was not a Cadet at USCGA, but I am sure it is similiar that he will not have time or be allowed to have these shakes during the summer. Probably best to wait until the Academic Year starts then he can see what they recommend at school.
 
Luigi59 Rebuttal

Wow. Recognizing that everyone must have been a "first time poster", is it not a bit condescending to assume a "first time poster" has nothing significant to contribute? I hope not. Since Luigi59 threw down the gauntlet, a comprehensive response is in order.

Luigi59 tossed out the name Rebekah Keat along with a Civil Suit filed in California (30-2007-00100704-CU-PL-CJC) as evidence that Hammer Nutritional products are contaminated. Impressive. But would it not be more impressive to go beyond a simple Google search and a headline summary?

Before we trash the name of what many believe to be an outstanding company, should we not dig just a little deeper? Here's a summary of the case chronology, facts and conclusions -- all of which can and should be verified by the reader.

In 2002, Canadian Mike Vine fails a drug screen after the Xterra Off-Road Triathlon. Mr. Vine does not immediately contest the findings, and does not supply the governing/testing body with samples of anything nutritional products he may have been using.

In May of 2003, Amber Neben, a cyclist on the T-Mobil team, fails her drug screen after the Montreal World Cup Race. Citing from her Arbitration Case (AAA No. 30 190 00713 03), "Dr. Roberts...analyzed fourteen (14) supplements Respondent had taken, including Zinc and Hammer Nutrition Products. All samples tested negative."

Citing from Triathlete Magazine: "She tested positive in Quebec. All of her team mates were tested and using the same product from the same containers, and none tested positive." Oops.

In November of 2004, Rebekah Keat fails her drug screen after winning the Western Australian Ironman. Citing from her Final Arbitrol Award, Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS 2005/A/879: "The Appellant, at the initial hearing, was unable to produce... evidence as to how the prohibited substance had enteredher system." And "Her long time sponsor has no reputation for producing contaminated products and its products are widely distributed in Australia."


In 2006, a full TWO YEARS after the failed drug screen, Keat suddenly presents an open bottle of Hammer Endurolyte to a WADA (World AntiDopping Association) lab for testing. Surprise! The sample is found to be contaminated. You don't have to be be Nick Stokes of CSI Las Vegas to question THAT chain of custody. If you failed a drug screen, would you not immediately turn over everything (i.e. toothpaste, sunscreen, protein power, etc) to the testing lab?

And finally, let's dive into the civil court case identified by Luigi59. Visit the Southern California Clerk of Court Website, and search on the plaintiffs name. On 8/9/11, the "Court orders the entire action dismissed without prejudice."

Hammer Nutrition has been in business for 27 years. Their products are highly acclaimied by professional endurance athletes all over the world. In 27 years, a single OPEN bottle of contaiminated product was identified in Australia, TWO YEARS after the athlete failed her wiz quiz. How convenient.

Am I pushing Hammer products? Hardly. The only thing I push is myself -- lifting 3x per week and logging 60 - 70 miles per week. At just 5'8" and 110#, I simply can't consume enough solid food to offset the 5000 calories I burn per day. If you train like a semi-pro athlete, qualify supplementation is required to prevent your body from breaking down.

I recommend that all readers apply the Ronald Regan axiom "Trust but Verify". Validate the information I've offered. Talk to NCAA coaches (as I have). Train hard. Use your head. Live Clean.

Thus endith my second post.
 
I am not sure the name of the product he has been using but he gets it from GNC. It is a simple protein shake and not one of the pre-workout supplements or anything like that. I think in all likelihood there would not be a problem but there is just too much at stake to take a chance. I have recommended he stop using the supplement until after he arrives at school and can verify what is and is not ok. Thanks.
 
Let's please remember that the purpose of Service Academy Forums is to assist candidates and their families who are applying to a Service Academy or ROTC.
Please end this debate.
The recommended course of action for ANYONE who accepts an appointment or NROTC scholarship is that they refrain from ANY substance that may increase the probability of a questionable drug test (regardless of what literature "states" as to the safety or nutritional value).
The risk is not worth losing your scholarship or appointment.
I would never recommend a supplement to my cadets or their friends; there is no real reason for ingesting these products. If you are worried about losing weight, eat more.
PS: My brother in law showed up at USAFA right at the minimum limits for weight/height and by PW had gained 25 pounds of solid muscle; went from a 14.5 neck to a 16.5 with no supplements...
The goal of a Service Academy is not to produce a "buff" cadet/mid, it is to produce a quality military officer.
 
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