Episode # 107 • 28 Jul 2026
Ergogenic Aids & Supplements: Sports Medicine Insights
Ergogenics: supplements NOT substitutes. On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, host Larry Balle joins Dr. Ryan Rhodes, a sports medicine physician and Army National Guard flight surgeon, in a discussion about ergogenic aids and supplements in athletic and military populations. They distinguish supplements from substitutes and define ergogenics broadly, noting limited evidence for popular peptides and the “bro science” culture. The doctors review historical and modern pharmacologic performance enhancers including anabolic steroids, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), growth hormone and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
04:03 - Ergogenics Overview
07:17 - A Brief History Lesson in Performance Hacks
14:54 - SARMs Explained
18:00 - Supplement Industry Economics
24:28 - Growth Hormone and HRT Nuance
34:50 - Stimulant Use in Sports
37:30 - The Hype Around Creatine
44:03 - Addressing the Renal Safety Myth with Creatine Use
46:02 - The Rundown on Protein Intake Basics
49:47 - Future Discussions on Ergogenic Aids
52:02 - Closing Key Point: Five Point Supplement Test
57:14 - Wrap Up
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More about this episode
This episode also features case discussion surrounding injury risks from exogenous testosterone use and nuances associated with hormone-replacement. Dr. Rhodes shares his appreciation for creatine, highlighting its strong evidence and safety profile. Key takeaways include the five-point framework for evaluating supplements: safety, claims, meaningful impact, correcting deficiency, and cost.
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