Consumer Reports found ephedra in dozens of sports supplements sold in stores and on the internet and warns it can be dangerous. Consumer Reports also has concerns about two other ingredients found in sports supplements. One is androstenedione. When used by young people, it can cause premature puberty. It can even cause breast development and stunt growth.
Creatine is the other troubling sports supplement ingredient.
Consumer Reports says it can cause muscle cramping and in some people it can cause kidney problems. All these sports supplements are easy to get and are virtually unregulated. We have no idea what effect this has on teenagers and in the few studies that have been done on adults there have been definite hazards. Nick Parrinello stopped taking the supplements. He's focusing on exercise and a healthy diet which Consumer Reports says is the best way to go.