Feb 27, 2026Protecting your athletes from the reality of the supplement industry
Walk into the health food section of the grocery store or scroll through Instagram for five minutes, and you will be bombarded with supplements claiming to build muscle faster, recover quicker and perform better. The supplement industry has exploded into a $50+ billion global market, and athletes remain the prime targets.
What most people do not realize is that behind the flashy labels and influencer endorsements lies an industry with little oversight and regulation. Not surprisingly, what might be on the label might not actually match what is inside the product.
Let’s dive into the dark side of the supplement industry, the real risks for athletes, and how to make informed decisions that protect the health and career of your athletes.
The Wild West of supplements
Unlike prescription medications or even over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before hitting store shelves. Manufacturers are not required to prove their products work or, more importantly, that they are safe before selling them. The FDA only steps in after problems are reported, which is a reactive approach that leaves athletes vulnerable.
This lack of oversight allows issues like:
- Contamination with undeclared or banned substances
- Mislabeling and false claims about efficacy
- Proprietary blends that hide ingredient amounts
- Unverified purity, potency, or sourcing
In fact, studies have found as many as 58% of supplements contain substances not listed on the label, some of which are banned in collegiate and professional sports (Martinez-Sanz et. al. 2017). For athletes subject to anti-doping rules, a contaminated supplement can result in a failed drug test and career-altering consequences like losing a year of NCAA eligibility.
Marketing myths and proprietary blends
Have you ever noticed those “proprietary blends” on supplement labels? They sound scientific and exclusive, but they are often a red flag. These blends allow manufacturers to conceal the actual amounts of individual ingredients, making it impossible to determine if you are receiving an effective dose. Labeling a supplement as proprietary is a way to underdose expensive ingredients while still listing them prominently on the label.
The marketing is equally misleading. Terms like “clinically proven,” “research-backed,” or “scientifically formulated” sound impressive but are largely unregulated. A company can fund a small, poorly designed study and use it to make sweeping claims. Meanwhile, those transformation photos and testimonials flooding social media? They are often from sponsored athletes or carefully selected (and heavily edited) success stories that do not represent typical results.
Third-party testing: Your first line of defense
With so much information out there, how do you know which supplements are safe? Luckily, there are trusted resources and tools to navigate the supplement industry. One of the most important steps is looking for third-party tested products. Trusted organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, and Informed Choice test supplements for banned substances and verify label accuracy. U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) does not test for athletic-banned substances, but confirms labeling accuracy. Choosing products certified by these organizations greatly reduces the risk of contamination, although no system is entirely foolproof.
Look for batch-specific testing information, which means the exact batch you are purchasing has been tested. Check certification websites to verify that the products are tested, and understand what each certification covers. Remember: third-party testing costs money, which is why many sketchy supplement companies avoid it. If a company refuses to invest in independent testing, ask yourself why.
How to choose wisely: The four R’s
When deciding whether to invest in a supplement, work with your athletes to follow the four R’s to evaluate safety, purpose, and credibility.
- Research: Know what the product is and what it claims to do. Use credible sources like Examine.com, NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements, or your sports dietitian for current, evidence-based info.
- Reason: Ask yourself why you are taking it. What specific performance or health goal does it support? Is there a real, evidence-supported benefit for your needs?
- Risk: Assess potential side effects and possible interactions, especially if you take medications or have health concerns.
- Reputation: Choose brands that are transparent about sourcing, manufacturing, and third-party testing.
Food and lifestyle first: The foundation that matters
No supplement will compensate for inadequate sleep, poor training, or a subpar diet. Even with evidence-based supplements, it is crucial to keep in perspective that supplements are just supplemental. A balanced performance nutrition plan rooted in real food provides far more than isolated nutrients. Whole foods provide nutrients in forms our bodies recognize and utilize more effectively, along with energy, fiber, phytonutrients, and compounds we are still discovering. The athlete who prioritizes quality protein sources, colorful vegetables, adequate carbohydrates for their training demands, and consistent meal timing will outperform the athlete who relies only on supplements every single time.
The bottom line: Be skeptical and seek expertise
In a market where promises sell faster than science, it is the role of the coach and athlete to be both curious and cautious. Learn how to read labels, verify certifications, and question exaggerated claims. Before an athlete adds any supplement to their regimen, encourage them to ask: Is there quality evidence supporting its use for my specific goals? Is it third-party tested? What are the potential risks? Could I achieve the same results through dietary changes? Even with third-party certifications, taking a supplement is still at the athlete’s risk.
Better yet, consult with a registered dietitian, preferably one specializing in sports nutrition (look for the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential, CSSD). These professionals can assess individual needs, identify any genuine deficiencies, and provide evidence-based recommendations tailored to the sport and situation.
The supplement industry will continue to evolve, and marketing will only get more sophisticated. But armed with knowledge about third-party testing, a healthy dose of skepticism, and guidance from qualified professionals, you can make informed decisions that protect both your athlete’s health and competitive career. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Written by an American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association Registered Dietitian (RD). To learn more about sports nutrition and ASPDA, go to www.sportsrd.org.
