• July 2, 2026 | 12:15 PM - 1:10 PM
• PCC,113ABC

Evaluating Dietary Supplements for Athlete Health, Safety, and Performance: Evidence-Based Tools and Strategies for Athletic Trainers

Despite frequent questions from athletes, many athletic trainers (ATs) report uncertainty when navigating dietary supplement safety, efficacy, and legality. Poor supplement regulation, risk of contamination, and evolving anti-doping rules increase the complexity of this role. This session addresses the urgent need for evidence-based tools and clinical decision-making strategies to help ATs evaluate supplements and guide athletes. Presenters will deliver practical approaches aligned with current regulations, third-party testing, and interdisciplinary collaboration—empowering ATs to reduce risk, support performance, and know when to refer to a sports dietitian.

Learning Objectives - Evaluate the safety, efficacy, and legality of dietary supplements using evidence-based frameworks and resources.
- Identify supplement-related health and eligibility risks, including contamination, mislabeling, and banned substances.
- Apply a structured supplement screening process during pre-participation exams and athlete consultations.
- Differentiate between high-risk and lower-risk supplements using third-party testing and regulatory tools.
- Consider effective collaboration with sports dietitians and other professionals to support safe and strategic supplement use.

Keywords: anti-doping; third-party certification; sports nutrition

Presented by: American Sports and Performance Dietitians’ Assoc.