ABSTRACT
Quackery Nutritional quackery includes the sale or promotion of questionable and sometimes harmful products purported to have positive health or performance effects using misleading tactics. New products are continually made available to consumers such as athletes. It is often difficult for the consumer to discern a questionable product from one that is legitimate. In the case of ergogenic prospects, athletes and practitioners should consider the following simple tips when evaluating the claims.
Determine if the claims made seem too good to be true. Unbelievable claims are almost always a sign of quackery.
Do not accept testimonials as fact, even when they come from successful athletes. While the testimonial may be based on the true feelings of an athlete, many factors can mislead an individual into believing that a product is working for them. Consumers must also be aware that an athlete endorsing a product may be biased.
An athlete, coach, or athletic trainer should seek the advice of a registered dietitian if the legitimacy of a product is unclear.
