I have heard a lot of people talking about a new Pro Performance supplement called Turbo ATP. What is in it? Will it do anything to improve my athletic performance?

Turbo ATP contains coenzyme Q10, creatine, L-carnitine, vitamin B1, C and E, the mineral selenium and the non-essential amino acids taurine and cystine. Coenzyme Q10 is implicated in the prevention of various forms of heart disease, high blood pressure and may improve immune function and exercise capacity. Each packet of Turbo ATP contains 75 mg of coenzyme Q10, which is a sufficient amount to be of benefit. Creatine is fast proving itself to safely improve anaerobic endurance in repeated bouts of high intensity exercise. However, the per serving amount of creatine in Performance ATP is fairly low to be of much benefit to the anaerobic athlete at 1.5 g. Studies show at least 3 to 5 grams of creatine per day is needed to get results. L-carnitine is scientifically proven to have no benefit to athletic performance or metabolism (see Question Section from last issue). The vitamins and selenium in the supplement are beneficial to metabolism and have additional anti-oxidant properties. The amino acids taurine and cystine are non-essential. Therefore they can be produced in the body from other amino acids and are generally not very beneficial as dietary supplements. So what is the scoop on this product? All things considered, the coenzyme Q-10, the vitamins and mineral in this supplement are the only ingredients present in sufficient amounts to be beneficial to the athlete. I found the price of the product to be quite steep for its possible effectiveness, retailing at near $3 per serving. It would be more cost effective to take a multivitamin/mineral and coenzyme Q10 tablet instead of taking Turbo ATP and get the same benefit. In addition, a multivitamin/mineral tablet will supply the other essential micronutrients and minerals needed for proper health and athletic performance that you would not get from taking Turbo ATP alone.


My trainer said that I should stay away from MSG because it will give me headaches. What is MSG and is there any merit to my trainers warning against it?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that has been manufactured for nearly 100 years. It is made through the fermentation of corn, sugar beets, or sugar cane, MSG’s chief component is the free form of the amino acid glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is found in abundance in the food supply and in the human body.

Some studies claim a causative relationship between MSG and headaches. The Center for Science in the Public Interest state in their Guide to Food Additives that reactions in people who are sensitive to MSG include headaches, nausea, weakness and a burning sensation in the back of the neck and forearms. CSPI also states however, that although some people claim to be sensitive to very small amounts of MSG, no good studies have been done to determine just how small an amount of MSG can cause a reaction in the most-sensitive people.

The American Dietetic Association denies a conclusive link between MSG and headaches. According to their Nutrition Fact Sheet, "Some people have reported mild, short-term symptoms after consuming MSG, but under clinical testing, people were no more likely to respond to MSG than to a placebo."

Glutamate occurs naturally in tomatoes, mushrooms, and walnuts. The International Food Information Council Foundation states that "the body does not distinguish between glutamate from foods like tomatoes or MSG added to tomato sauce." The IFIC also states that the average American consumes roughly 0.55 grams of MSG spread out through an entire day.

It is clear that the FDA’s approval of monosodium glutamate is scientifically warranted. However, critics like your trainer exist, especially in regards to the lack of labeling standards required for products containing MSG. If you believe you have intolerance to MSG, see your allergist.


I understand that high-glycemic index foods are bad, but what does it mean to say a food is high glycemic? Why are these foods bad for you?

The glycemic index of a food is a measure of the blood sugar response to that food. Foods with a low glycemic rating release carbohydrates into the blood at a slow and steady rate. High glycemic foods tend to cause a blood sugar "spike" due to their quick absorption. A high glycemic response is considered unhealthy because the large influx of blood glucose cannot effectively be used by the body cells for energy or glycogen production. The excess glucose is converted to fat in the liver and tends to be stored on the body in this form. In addition, a person's blood glucose level tends to drop below normal following a high glycemic surge. This can decrease energy levels and induce the feeling of fatigue. Keep in mind that insulin production is directly proportional to blood glucose levels. If frequent spikes in insulin production from a high glycemic diet continue for an extended period of time, the body cells may become less sensitive to insulin. This is the road to adult-onset diabetes. Most nutrition books will have a glycemic index of common foods to help you plan your healthy diet to avoid these conditions. Keep in mind that eating protein, fats, and/or fiber along with your carbohydrates will decrease the glycemic response of your meals, a great reason to maintain a balanced diet!


I am a 55-year-old man. My father had prostate cancer at this same time in his life. What simple change can I make to help prevent this from happening to me?

If you enjoy tomatoes and eat them on a regular basis, you might be seeing a 21 – 34% reduced chance of prostate cancer – according to a Harvard review on lycopene. Based on past epidemiological research, Giovannucci, re-clarified the healthy role of a diet high in fruit and vegetable consumption; particularly in tomatoes and tomato-based products.

Lycopene is credited for the red color in may foods: particularly tomatoes, pink grapefruit, papaya, guava, and watermelon. It is a carotenoid and a strong antioxidant. Also, lycopene may enhance expression of the RB gene, a typical anti-oncogene.

Studies have concluded for years that the correlation of tomato consumption and decreased cancer risk is significant. Knowing this, it is reasonable to assert that we should include some tomato-based products in our diets on a regular basis.