Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Aarskog syndrome
Aarskog syndrome, or Aarskog-Scott syndrome, is a genetic disorder characterized by short stature and musculoskeletal, facial, and genital abnormalities. This inherited disorder of unknown etiology involves either an autosomal recessive or semidominant X-linked transmission.
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Young athletes
In general, the nutritional principles that can optimize performance in adults should also apply to children. However, two overriding issues should be considered with young athletes. First, since children are growing, their nutritional needs are foremost in sports dietetics. All essential nutrients must be consumed at their needed levels, but adequate energy and protein are…
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Wild oats
Wild oats (Avena sativa) have been marketed for their ability improve circulating testosterone concentrations due to their sterol content; however, there is no evidence to support the conversion of plant sterols to testosterone in the human body. Wild oat supplementation has been used as a natural aphrodisiac and strength enhancer by men and women without…
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Whey protein
Whey protein is obtained from milk and is commonly marketed to enhance lean body mass of athletes who include resistance training in their workouts. As described in the entry for proteins, there is little research avaible to suggest that bodybuilders can synthesize more muscle from one protein than another. On the other hand, two studies…
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Wheat germ oil
The wheat germ is the portion of the wheat grain that contains the embryo and relatively high fat content. Wheat germ oil is extracted from the wheat germ and is available as a dietary supplement. Well-designed research does not support an ergogenic effect of wheat germ oil. Octacosanol, a 28-carbon alcohol in wheat germ oil,…
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Weight-conscious athletes
Many athletes seek to lose weight or maintain a low body weight for competition. For example, wrestlers, boxers, rowers, jockeys, and other athletes often compete in events in which there are rigorous weight requirements or specified weight classes that can not be exceeded for participation. Other athletes, such as gymnasts, ballet dancers, and bodybuilders, participate…
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Vitamin toxicity
Excess consumption of some vitamins can produce toxic effects. Vitamins A and D are typically considered the most potentially toxic. Daily vitamin intake should not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences for those vitamins for which a UL has been set.…
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Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a synthetic ethyl ester of apovincamine and is among the family of drugs called vinco alkaloids. It has been used to improve cerebral perfusion of acute stroke survivors; however, it is not clear if it is an effective treatment.
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Vanadium
Vanadium is a micromineral found in trace amounts within the body and the diet. Food sources most rich in vanadium include spinach, shellfish, black pepper, mushrooms, and parsley. Vanadium has not been established as an essential nutrient; however, it has been demonstrated to have functions similar to those of insulin in humans with non-insulin-dependent diabetes…
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Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is marketed for unproven testosterone-enhancing capabilities. Very little research is available regarding its ergogenic potential; however, one study in which resistance-trained men consumed an herbal preparation containing 3.21 mg of Tribulus per kg of body weight failed to demonstrate enhancements in body weight and composition, strength, or mood states. In fact, the placebo…
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