Screening for Pediatric Sports Dietary Supplements - A Better Way

Background - Recent analysis of the 2007 Nat'l Household Interview Survey's Child Alternative Medicine file resulted in a national population estimate of about 1.1 million children, mean age 10.8, reporting use of dietary supplements to improve sports. 45 million American kids play youth sports; countless other millions play extreme sports and recreational pursuits. The sub-set of sports dietary supplement products (SDSP) used to improve performance is a multi-billion dollar industry. The vast majority of these products have limited effectiveness as well as minimal product accountability. There is no clinical evidence for healthy young adults to take a SDSP, yet multiple environmental and psychological pressures influence young adults to try them. Misinformation in the media and marketing by SDSP manufacturers to athletes as young as four cause parents, athletes and healthcare personnel to be confused about how to have an informed conversation these products, at times resulting in unhealthy and potentially dangerous nutritional practices. Reports of death and disability from use are numerous in the literature and popular media. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Sports Medicine have specific SDSP screening protocols; as well the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has accreditation policy requirements for recording intake of all drugs during patient history. Purpose – To determine pediatric clinician's awareness and use of recommended screening protocols for pediatric patients for sports dietary supplement products. Research – We administered an IRB approved survey looking at physician screening for SDSP in a pediatric population. Nationwide survey respondents included physicians, medical students and chiropractors (N=179). Results - Results showed that even though there are established physician screening protocol's for pediatric SDSP use, 84% of survey respondents failed to screen for these products. When asked why, the vast majority admitted a general lack of knowledge or exigency regarding these products. Significance –With low numbers of physicians screening for SDSP, no real conversation can be had with patients, parents of caregivers involving pediatric safety and development concerns as well as understanding any underlying behaviors. Discussion – Results of this study will be discussed in relationship to growing numbers of young athletes, including young girls, participating in youth sports and the potential of these athletes to use SDSP. Strategies for better conversations among young athletes and pediatric physicians will be discussed including increasing information about SDSP in medical school curriculums and grand rounds, and motivational interviewing.