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Group C

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Evidence level: Scientific evidence not supportive of benefit amongst athletes OR no research undertaken to guide an informed opinion.

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Use within Supplement Programs: Not advocated for use by athletes within Supplement Programs May be permitted for use by identified athletes where there is specific approval from, or reporting to, a Sports Supplement Panel.

Supplements

Specific Group C supplements are identified which had previously been classified as Group B. Based on the most recent research, support for their use is less compelling.

Name / Formulation and description: Magnesium (Mg2+) - as in Magnesium Oxide

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C  Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

Name / Formulation and description: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is synthesised enzymatically in the mitochondria from octanoic acid and plays a critical role in mitochondrial energy metabolism. ALA presents as two enantiomers: the R-(+) enantiomer, which is widely present in nature and is biologically active, and the S-(-) enantiomer, which is often included in synthetic-based ALA supplements but is believed to have limited biological activity.1

Formulations includes:

  • R-alpha lipoic acid capsules, tablets, powders or drops.
  • Racemic mixture of R- and S- alpha lipoic acid enantiomers in capsules, tablets, powders or drops.
  • Intravenous administration of R-alpha lipoic acid.

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C  Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

Name / Formulation and description: ß-hydroxy ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the essential branch chain amino acid leucine, claimed to decrease muscle protein breakdown associated with exercise, increasing muscle mass and strength development associated with resistance training. HMB is also claimed to reduce muscle damage/soreness, enhancing recovery. Much of the initial research on HMB focused on animals, assessing the effect on carcass mass and quality, immune function, morbidity and mortality, colostral milk fat content, growth rates, safety and toxicity. Despite unconvincing results in animal research, HMB supplementation was applied to humans in the mid 1990’s under the presumption that it may enhance gains in muscle size and strength while reducing muscle damage and soreness associated with resistance training and possibly enhance aerobic capacity.1

Two forms of HMB have been used: Calcium HMB (HMB-Ca) and a free acid form of HMB (HMB-FA). HMB-FA may increase plasma absorption and retention of HMB to a greater extent than HMB-CA. However, research with HMB-FA is in its infancy, and there is not enough research to support whether one form is superior.

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group B (Other) Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

Name / Formulation and description: Branched chain amino acids (BCAA i.e. leucine, isoluceine and valine usually in a 2:1:1 ratio) and leucine in isolation are purified amino acids appearing as crystalline powders. They are poorly soluble in water and bitter tasting. The sources of the protein from which BCAA/ LEU are derived from are not immediately apparent on the packaging of many products. However, there are several sources1:

  1. Purified from processed animal feathers/fur/hair/skin
  2. Purified from processed plant proteins
  3. Fermented by genetically modified micro-organisms engineered to ferment sugar to the amino acids in question.

There is some concern that they may also be derived from human hair.1

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group B  Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

(Phosphorus)

Name / Formulation and description: Phosphorus is a non-metallic essential nutrient, with about 11–14 g phosphorus per kg of fat-free mass (FFM) stored in the human body. Of which ~85% is located in the skeletal system. Comes in three forms, including sodium, calcium & potassium phosphate. However, most research is on sodium phosphate.

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group B (Other) Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) is a sulphur-containing compound that is produced naturally in the body, though is not readily available from dietary sources.

Name / Formulation and description: Tyrosine (TYR) is a dietary non-essential amino acid precursor for catecholamine neurotransmitter synthesis. Tyrosine is contained within protein-rich dietary sources and is synthesised in the liver from phenylalanine.

It is available:

  • Commercially in capsules, tablets and water-soluble granules/powder.
  • Pharmacological grade (I.e., registered medical nutrition provider) water soluble powder.

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group B Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

Name / Formulation and description: Vitamin E refers to lipid soluble compounds including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, with α-tocopherol being the most biologically available and most well-known form. It is found in lipid rich structures such as the sarcoplasmic reticulum, where it scavenges free radicals produced by the mitochondria, thereby reducing lipid peroxidation and membrane damage.

Given Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is primarily found in higher fat, plant derived foods, including nuts and oils, and to a lesser extent in the fats of meat, poultry and fish. Both natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E can be found in vitamin E supplements, with the “d” prefix denoting natural forms, particularly d-alpha tocopherol; and the “dl” prefix denoting synthetic forms, particularly dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate. Vitamin E supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, powders or drops.

Current AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group B Agreed AIS Supplement Framework Classification: Group C

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