Dear Coaches,
Today we'll cover why broad-spectrum CBD supplements pose hidden WADA risks for your athletes, key job opportunities at Premier League clubs, and evidence-based nitrate supplementation with third-party tested products.
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Expert Opinion
CBD Mistake
Dr. Scott Gillham's latest research, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, reveals a critical gap in CBD supplement safety for athletes.
His study tracked 36 healthy individuals taking a broad spectrum CBD supplement for 10 weeks. The product was third-party tested and contained no THC.
The findings? WADA-prohibited cannabinoids appeared in participants' urine.
The data:
CBG detected in 42% of participants before exercise, 74% after
CBDV detected in 68% before exercise, 84% after
Both cannabinoids are prohibited by WADA
Exercise increased concentrations of these substances
The supplement contained only "trace concentrations" of CBG according to its analysis. However, after 10 weeks of daily use at 150mg, these trace amounts accumulated to detectable levels.
Exercise amplified this effect.
Current testing protocols for CBD products don't predict what happens in the human body over extended use. Certificate of analysis results don't account for bioaccumulation or exercise-induced mobilisation.
Gillham's conclusion: "Athletes should avoid consuming broad-spectrum CBD products, given the potential associated anti-doping risks."
Dr. Scott discussed this research in detail on the Performance Nutrition Network. You can find out more here.
Resource Roundup
News & Resources
Last Weeks Issue
Dr. Louise Sutton observed thousands of students throughout her career.
Performance Tech
BEET IT SPORT NITRATE ENERGY GEL TOP UP 100
Most energy gels address metabolic demands. Few target physiological efficiency.
Beet It Sport's Top Up 100 gel represents an evidence-informed approach to combining acute carbohydrate delivery with potential nitric oxide pathway enhancement.
Each gel provides 100mg of concentrated beetroot-derived nitrate alongside 30g of dual-source carbohydrates in a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio—quantities aligned with established research protocols.
Current evidence suggests nitrate supplementation may improve exercise performance, though individual responses vary considerably. IOC consensus statement indicates potential improvements of 1-3% in time trial performance and 4-25% in time to exhaustion, primarily in submaximal to moderate-intensity endurance activities.
Critical consideration for performance nutritionists:
Unlike emerging nitrate gel alternatives (such as Styrkr Nitro), Beet It maintains Informed Sport certification.
