The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) notes that it would like to draw attention to some companies and individuals in the sector making unfounded claims about their products.
As the ‘largest trade association and the voice of the sports nutrition sector in Europe’, ESSNA added that it would like to give some clear advice on the role of sports nutrition in the context of Covid-19.
‘To be clear, no sports nutrition product has been proven to aid, treat or cure Covid-19. It is natural and encouraging that sports nutrition consumers are looking for ways to supplement their diet and maintain active lifestyles. By taking the right sports nutrition products, combined with a healthy diet and exercise, you can successfully maintain a healthy lifestyle, which may help to strengthen your immune system.
‘However, companies and individuals claiming to provide treatment or care for Covid-19 are very likely to be non-compliant with the law. Such companies are taking advantage of the ongoing crisis by making misleading and dangerous claims to benefit themselves financially.
‘It is essential to remember that sports nutrition products in Europe are very tightly regulated, but as with any other industry, unfortunately a few unscrupulous individuals exist and flout the law. ESSNA is working diligently alongside the authorities to address this.
ESSNA’s advice remains the same: if a product is promising something that seems too good to be true, it most probably is. Make sure to buy your products from reputable retailers and check for the ESSNA member kitemark. We urge you to avoid suspicious-looking websites and products which claim to provide protection from the Covid-19 virus and to report misleading products to ESSNA so that we can investigate the issue further.
‘ESSNA is closely monitoring the quickly evolving situation and aims to make sure that the industry and consumers are kept informed about all Covid-19 developments, advising how the sector is affected and how consumers can protect themselves.’
With 40+ companies from across Europe, ESSNA acts as a forum for discussion and a vehicle for action for the sports nutrition sector. It works with legislators, regulators and enforcement bodies to help ensure that sports nutrition products are safe, effective, easily available and transparent.
ESSNA monitors the industry, reporting irresponsible companies that flout EU law and may put consumers at potential risk from dangerous products, and works to better educate the public on the responsible and safe approaches to sports nutrition.
