Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) ---- The Go-To Drug for Athletes

If you were to look in an athlete’s bag or locker, you would find that the majority of them contain a bottle of “Vitamin I” (ibuprofen or any other NSAIDs). Among the most popular Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs that an athlete can find without a prescription (OTC drugs) are Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, and Aspirin. 

Athletes may take NSAIDs before physical activity to reduce anticipated pain, while others may use NSAIDs during or after working out to decrease discomfort from musculoskeletal injury or soreness. This would be okay if they did not use it on a regular basis. But unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, Wijck & Lenaerst (2012) reported that 90% of professional soccer players use NSAIDs. Overuse of NSAID’s, like with any other drugs, can cause negative side effects that many athletes fail to recognize.

Andrea Sattinger, in the article Caring for Ages (2004), stated that “the most common adverse effects of non-selective NSAIDs (inhibitor of both types of the COX enzyme) are gastrointestinal intolerabilities”. Upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, coughing up blood, and stomach ulcers are some of the few conditions that may occur due to uncontrolled use of Vitamin I. 

According to www.drugs.com, the maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Athletes should eat before taking ibuprofen to prevent upset stomach. Dr. Maria Urso, a research scientist in the Military Performance Division Performance Division (USARIEM) stated that “NSAIDs are beneficial in the first 48 hours following an acute injury. However, if you are using a NSAID as a daily vitamin, stop. There is no benefit to take a NSAID daily and you are likely hindering your adaptation, recovery, and overall performance”.

Finally, athletes should not see Ibuprofen or NSAIDs as the ultimate resource to get rid of pain and discomfort. The truth is that soreness and injuries are a part of sports – NSAIDs are just masking agents. A good alternative method to control pain is the RICE principle (REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, and ELEVETION). This is a very safe method to decrease pain and swelling after injury or post physical activity. Ultimately, Athletes should always consult with a health-care professional before buying that bottle of Vitamin I.