Re: Drugs/rules--"intangible" nutrients

Tivers@aol.com
Wed, 11 Dec 1996 11:51:11 -0500

In a message dated 96-12-11 10:45:57 EST, you write:
Truman:
<< The key word is abnormal. (BTW, I discussed this policy with
my vet several years ago and he stated that one reason for a rule like this
is to keep "smart people" from masking drugs using mega doses of nutrients
such as B1. >>

OK, this is a good example. It is known that B1 has beneficial effects on
performance in some athletes when given in doses higher than recommended by
the NRC. So does corn. So do branched chain amino acids. So does CoQ10. So
will many other nutrients, including fat in endurance horses. I contend there
is nothing wrong with being smart, knowing which nutrients make life easier
for the equine athlete. Nutrients or drugs that are damaging to the athlete
are a whole 'nother ball game--as in anabolic steroids, NSAIDs and
corticosteroids.

If the AERC wants to ban larger doses of B1, then they'd better ban larger
pre-race doses of corn and fat--both of these will have a much more
pronounced effect on performance than B1. Like auto racing--limit the
available fuel.

ti