Fa'aeteete

As a Samoan athlete, you strive for excellence and maintain the values of Fa'aaloalo. However, using supplements can introduce unnecessary risks and potentially jeopardize your health and sporting career. Here's why you should approach them with caution:

Potential Risks:

• Uncertain Quality: Manufacturing standards for supplements often differ from those for medicines, increasing the chance of encountering undisclosed prohibited substances.
• Labeling Discrepancies: Ingredient lists on supplement labels may not align with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, leading to unintentional doping.
• Fake Products: Beware of counterfeit supplements, especially online, as they may contain banned substances and pose health risks.
• Misleading Claims: Some supplements falsely claim WADA or anti-doping organization endorsements or misleadingly state they are "safe for athletes."
  

Prioritize Food First:

Before considering supplements, evaluate whether a balanced diet and a "food-first" approach can adequately meet your training, competition, and recovery needs.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Consult doctors or sports nutritionists who understand anti-doping rules and your status as an athlete. They can provide personalized advice on safe and effective nutritional strategies.

Minimizing Risks:

• Research Thoroughly: Carefully examine labels, ingredients, and quantities of any supplement you consider using.
• Consult a Doctor: Seek guidance from a medical professional to assess the potential risks and benefits.
• Choose Batch-Tested Supplements: Opt for supplements that have been screened by independent companies for banned substances. This significantly reduces the risk of a positive doping test, although it doesn't guarantee complete safety.
• Keep Records: Maintain the original packaging or take a photo of it, including the supplement name, brand, and batch number. If you received medical advice to take supplements, keep a record of it as well.
  

Helpful Resources:

• InformedSport, Certified for Sport®, HASTA, and Kölner Liste: These platforms offer lists of batch-tested supplements that have undergone rigorous screening for banned substances.
• WADA's Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL): Enroll in free online courses like "ADEL for National-Level Athletes" and "ADEL for International-Level Athletes" for dedicated information on supplements and anti-doping rules in multiple languages: https://adel.wada-ama.org/learn
  

Remember:

Supplements are not a guaranteed path to success and can carry significant risks. Always prioritize a healthy diet and seek professional guidance before using them. By being cautious and informed, you can protect your health and uphold the values of Fa'aaloalo in your sporting journey.