Do’s and Don’ts – Resources

Do

Check if the company you’re buying from is an ESSNA member: either by checking the ESSNA website members’ page or by looking for the ESSNA kitemark on the product you’re purchasing

Only buy products that list all their ingredients and their quantities (not proprietary blends, which don’t tell you exactly what’s in them)

If you’re serious about your sport and want to compete in a competition, you might want to look for voluntary certifications by companies such as LGC (Informed Sport) or NSF on the labels, which indicate that the product has been independently tested for banned substances

Check the labels and claims on the product. Legitimate claims are those state benefits such as:

• Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise
• Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions enhance the absorption of water during physical exercise
• Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise
• Daily creatine consumption can enhance the effect of resistance training on muscle strength in adults over the age of 55.
• Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass
• Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass
• Information on beneficial nutrition properties, which a full list of can be accessed here

Be careful of counterfeit products. Where possible, buy a brand directly from the manufacturer or brand website/store, or from a well-known and reputable retailer