Pre-workout supplements can turn toxic, UCT experts warn
Clinicians at the University of Cape Town have warned that pre-workout supplements often contain unregulated, high levels of caffeine that can lead to serious health risks. The experts are calling for stricter regulatory oversight to prevent toxicity and adverse reactions.
Why it matters
The lack of standardized labeling and regulation for fitness supplements poses a direct threat to consumer safety and public health.
University of Cape Town clinicians have warned that some gym products may contain harmful caffeine levels, putting pre-workout supplements in South Africa in focus, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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In a letter published in the South African Medical Journal , the team said multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements are often sold as proprietary blends with incomplete ingredient labels, making it difficult for users to know what they are taking.
The clinicians wrote, ‘We are concerned about methylxanthine-mediated toxicity,’ and said the growing use of these products calls for ‘ enhanced regulatory oversight’. They warned that some pre-workout supplements may contain inaccurate amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, increasing the risk of harmful side effects.
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