Inadvertent doping through nutritional supplements is a reality

Abstract

Objective. Inadvertent doping through the use of nutritional supplements is a potentially important cause of the increase in positive drug tests involving high-profile Olympic athletes. The aim of this study was to screen over-the-counter nutritional supplements for the presence of steroid or stimulant compounds banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).Method. Thirty different nutritional supplements from 14 different manufacturers were bought at shops in Bloemfontein, South Africa and analysed for testosterone and nandrolone prohormones, various ephedrines and caffeine.Results. Eighteen (60%) of the 30 supplements contained no prohibited substances. Of the 12 (40%) positive supplements, 8 (66.7%) contained prohormones and 4 (33.3%) contained stimulants. Six supplements contained prohormones, which were listed on the labels, while 2 contained prohormones not listed on the labels. The stimulants were listed on the labels as Ma Huang, Guarana and Kola extracts and all contained a mixture of ephedrines and caffeine. Conclusion.The results showed that approximately 7% of supplements tested may be mislabelled or contaminated with banned substances and that inadvertent doping through nutritional supplement use is a reality for athletes. The sporting community should therefore be aware that supplements might contain anabolic androgenic steroids and stimulants that are not declared on the labels.

How the Iranian Football Coaches and Players Know About Doping?

“…Regarding participants’ idea about supplement use, more than 80% of participants believe that supplements may contain prohibited substances. This belief is valuable, because the likelihood of contamination with drugs is a real risk and it is estimated that near 15% of sport supplements may be contaminated, purposefully or unintentionally, with prohibited drugs which are not declared on their labels ( 26 , 27 ). Furthermore, there are some myths among athletes regarding sport supplements including the safety and purity of natural and herbal supplements (44.8% of participants).…”

Effect of a therapeutic dose of pseudoephedrine on swimmers’ performance

“…[3,12] Others, to aid with recovery and training, consume nutritional supplements that are potentially contaminated, knowingly or inadvertently, with prohibited substances. [13] In both cases, the athlete could be sanctioned if doping tests are positive; the former scenario being of particular concern, as PSE can be found in nasal decongestants and respiratory medicines in combination with antihistamines. [1] A recently published position statement argued that although OTC substances such as PSE could potentially augment performance, these products could cause long-lasting harm to athletes and should therefore be avoided if suspicion is warranted.…”

Adulterated dietary supplements threaten the health and sporting career of up‐and‐coming young athletes

“…The stakes are high for all of us to protect the health of young athletes and to protect clean sport. Between the USADA Supplement 411 High Risk List and the FDA Health Fraud page, plus a multitude of reports in the scientific literature, there are more than a thousand products identified to contain stimulants, anabolic‐androgenic steroids, or pharmaceuticals. While USADA will continue to support changes in legislation that would stop the sale of illegal and dangerous products under the guise of dietary supplements, we must act now to protect our stakeholders.…”