Sajan's mother, Josie Melcher, knew about her son's diet and the protein shakes. But she didn't know about the other so-called muscle enhancers Sajan was hiding in his room.

Obsessed with exercise, Sajan was working out 2-3 hours a day, seven days a week. Fat seemed to melt off his body and his muscles bulged. But other changes weren't as welcome.

His mother said he looked like the Incredible Hulk, he was so pumped up; and he acted like he wanted to punch someone. Sajan had turned so aggressive she once had to call the police because she felt threatened. Sajan's anger reached a boiling point when he was expelled from school for fighting. As it turned out, this fight was a turning point for Sajan. With his mother’s help, he confronted his problem head on.

After her son was expelled from school, his mother Josie suspected Sajan was using something on the sly to pump up his body. Her suspicions proved true when she found a bunch of nutritional supplements and metabolism enhancers hidden in his room. Sajan was buying these products with money he earned working on cars. When she confronted him, he exploded. "I was actually fighting her," Sajan said. "I was yelling: no, these are mine. You can't take them, they're mine. This is my life, Mom."

The analysis proved that these products are not appropriate for teenagers and can potentially do harm to young, growing bodies. Some combinations of herbal energy ingredients can lead to serious cardiovascular concerns as well as promote mental unbalance. In addition, combining products can create overlap of ingredients that can be particularly dangerous. There was also concern with the high level of cholesterol in each serving of the Whey protein.

Sajan was not taking anabolic steroids but he had been taking Creadrive which supposedly pumps up muscles. Although creatine, the main ingredient in Creadrive, is a naturally occurring substance in food, its use has been linked to a stroke in a male weight lifter according to a recently published study at the University of Maryland Medical Center. That study supports concerns that the use of creatine can damage the kidneys, especially in children whose bodies are still developing.

"The use of supplements is more common than parents think and it often goes undetected," said Dr. Joseph J. Scarano MD, a Bradenton, Florida pediatrician. Dr. Scarano blames "slick marketing schemes" that play off teen's obsession with image. "There is a lot of peer pressure that can lead to problem behaviors," Sarano said. "With the competition of organized sports, a lot of young folks and even older folks think they have to rely on these products to have a competitive edge. But they are putting their efforts on the wrong focus."

Dr. Scarano said teens can get all of the nutrition they need for peak performance from adequate caloric intake that includes high-quality protein such as chicken, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products. Scarano warned, "they start with the protein shake, then the go to supplements to build muscle mass, and some advance to dangerous steroids." The mixture of products like the ones Sajan was taking can be very dangerous; potentially affecting every organ of the body, causing serious adverse effects on the heart and reproductive system. These changes can make people irritable and aggressive, Scarano said.

Amy Levy, Senior public relations coordinator for General Nutrition Centers said "some products in their stores cannot be sold to minors; they are coded to trigger a warning." She indicated that it is the responsibility of the consumer to read the label (sure they will). She said "all of the products sold in our stores are safe." SURE THEY ARE!

None of the products Sajan was taking were coded. In addition, there is no requirement for manufacturers to tell you exactly what is or isn't in their products or on the label. "Image," Sajan said, "is everything. If you don't look good, you don't have any friends. When I was fat I was teased and ridiculed."

Today he sees himself very differently. "I'm someone who stays in shape, works out, takes care of his body and is very positive. I try to do the right things and stay out of trouble."

I had the opportunity to meet Sajan and his mother when I was speaking at a Prevention Plus seminar in Florida. Sajan told me his story and I asked him if I could put it in one of my monthly newsletters. He is a great kid and is mother is proud of him; me too! I suggested that he add Juice Plus+®, "the most scientifically documented whole food based nutritional concentrate in history" to his nutrition program to bridge the gap between his current nutrition level and optimal nutrition. He won't have to worry about what's in it because Juice Plus+® has been researched and analyzed worldwide. There is nothing in Juice Plus+® that would cause an athlete to lose eligibility. Sajan and his mother are now taking Juice Plus+®.

I get e-mails almost daily about some NEW product being touted. My response is always the same: have this company provide me with their third-party, randomized, double-blind, crossover, peer-reviewed, published research to support the claims being made and I'll consider making it available too.