The 8th Annual International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo was held this past weekend in Las Vegas. Once again, the successful program included presentations from many of the brightest minds in the fields of nutrition, exercise and human performance. The Keynote Lecture was presented by one of the key historic figures in the world of sports nutrition science, Dr. Roger Harris. Both Rick Collins and Alan Feldstein attended the conference as ISSN Legal Advisors.

In addition to attending the annual ISSN Board meeting, Rick also moderated the overall Thursday afternoon session of the Basic Science track, introducing Dr. Richard Kreider for a “Creatine and Protein/Amino Acid Round Table.” Rick then moderated his own Round Table forum, entitled “Working with the Drug-Tested Athlete: Promises and Pitfalls for the Trainer and Nutritionist – Medical/Legal/Nutritional Perspectives.” The discussion explored how diet and fitness professionals can work with drug-tested athletes to prevent or minimize failed doping tests while at the same time protecting themselves from blame if an athlete, despite the professional’s best efforts, tests positive for a banned substance. The subjects of prescription drugs, therapeutic use exemptions, over-the-counter medicines and cold remedies, recreational drugs, caffeine, sports nutrition products and tainted dietary supplements were all examined in detail.

The distinguished panelists included: Douglas Kalman, PhD, RD, FSSN, a co-founder of ISSN and a leader in the fields of medical nutrition therapy, metabolism, sports nutrition and clinical research; Hector Lopez, MD, CSCS, FAAPMR, a board certified specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation who is a founding partner and medical director of two facilities in New Jersey that focus on integrative rehabilitation medicine and human performance; and Tim Ziegenfuss, PhD, FISSN, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Applied Health Sciences and the Director of Scientific Affairs at Biotest Laboratories. All three panelists have had extensive experience working with competitive athletes, and shared their thoughts freely with the large and attentive audience. Rick also presented an introductory PowerPoint presentation which will shortly be made available on the ISSN website at http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org.