Hyderabad: The use of nutrition supplements and sports nutrition without the advice of experts is taking a toll on fitness enthusiasts who are reporting to hospitals with higher creatine and uric acid levels. The supplements taken are whey protein, weight gainers, protein blends and branched chain of amino acids (BCAAs).
Experts say those keen on building their bodies take these supplements for three to four months and report at hospitals after experiencing pain in the kidney, abdomen or in the joints.
Dr S. Aggarwal, a senior general physician, said, "These patients report with high levels of creatine, uric acid and dysfunction of the kidney. In 90 per cent of the cases, it has been found that they have been given these supplements by gym instructors and trainers. They do not consult a nutritionist."
The patients who turned up in hospitals were already on a high protein diet and were found to added extra proteins, leading to the damage.
“Those who are into moderate gym exercises do not require these supplements as their daily intake of food which must be a mix of protein, carbohydrates and fats is sufficient. Those who are into intense activities would require supplements but have this only after consulting a doctor or a nutritionist," said Ms Madhurima Sinha, a nutritionist.
Nutritionist Uma Charitha said sport nutrition and supplements are essential for athletes but not for a normal person. “This difference is not understood by people who think that gulping down supplements will make them strong. The side-effects begin to show in three months. The instant reaction is to stop the supplements immediately and switch to normal food," she said.
Often, in this transition, the enthusiasts stop exercise as well, which results in weight gain, overeating and, in a few cases, loss of muscles. Experts state that most of these people are so scared that they give up exercise regime which is wrong.
