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A commentary published in the Journal of Adolescent Health concludes that the use of muscle-building dietary supplements (muscle-building supplements) among adolescents and young adults, particularly boys and young men, is widespread and driven by pressures to adhere to the muscular and lean body ideal. The authors, Kyle T. Ganson, Ph.

D., M.S.



W., of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, and Jason M. Nagata, M.

D., M.Sc.

, of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, provide guidance for healthcare professionals on assessing and mitigating risks associated with the use of these supplements. The commentary, titled "Adolescent and Young Adult Use of Muscle-Building Dietary Supplements: Guidance for Assessment and Harm Reduction Approaches to Mitigate Risks," underscores the need for healthcare professionals to proactively address muscle-building supplement use among their adolescent and young adult clients. The authors highlight that, despite the common perception of these supplements as largely benign, there are potential adverse consequences, including disability and death.

"Despite the common use of muscle-building supplements, there remains little guidance for health and mental healthcare professionals on how to assess best and support adolescents and young adults using muscle-building supplements, and how to determine whether its use is problematic," they state. The authors base their conclusions on severa.

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