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Sports Supplements Under Scrutiny: Study Exposes Hidden Banned Substances
Sports supplements, often promoted to enhance muscle growth, boost workout energy, and maximize athletic potential, are facing increased scrutiny due to potential health and doping risks. A recent study has uncovered that more than one in three of these products contain substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), many of which are not disclosed on the product labels.
Prevalence of Prohibited Substances in Supplements
A survey, commissioned by Sport Integrity Australia and conducted by Human and Supplements Testing Australia, analyzed 200 supplements available across Australia. The investigation revealed that 35% of these products contained WADA-prohibited substances. For elite athletes, detection of these substances during doping control can result in significant penalties, including suspension from competition.
WADA’s Prohibited Substances Criteria
WADA defines a prohibited substance as any agent meeting at least two of the following criteria:
- Potential to enhance, or demonstrated enhancement of, sport performance.
- Presents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
- Violates the spirit of sport.
Athlete Education and Product Enforcement Recommended
The study’s findings emphasize the necessity for enhanced athlete education regarding the risks associated with sports supplements. Furthermore, the report advocates for stricter enforcement actions targeting products identified as containing elevated levels of illicit stimulants.
Risk Remains High with Uncertified Products
“An athlete purchasing an uncertified product online faces a one-in-three chance that the product contains a WADA prohibited substance,” the study stated. “This investigation demonstrates that the risk associated with using non-certified sports supplement products persists at a high level.”
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Specific Cases of Contamination
Researchers identified a product marketed as a “muscle builder” which was found to contain low concentrations of ostarine, a substance typically requiring a prescription. The same product also contained traces of 1,4-dimethylpentylamine, a drug banned from sale, supply, and use within Australia.
Higher Risk in Fat Burners and Muscle Builders
The study indicated that products categorized as fat burners (49%) and muscle builders (53%) exhibited a higher likelihood of containing WADA-prohibited substances compared to other supplement categories.
Expert Advice on Supplement Use
Sport Integrity Australia’s chief science officer, Dr. Naomi Speers, stressed that athletes need to understand the inherent risks associated with supplement use. She specifically highlighted products marketed for fat burning, muscle building, or pre-workout enhancement as “particularly risky”.
Naturally Occurring Compounds Predominant
The research report pointed out that the majority of prohibited substances detected were naturally occurring compounds. Only two products analyzed contained high levels of synthetic stimulants.
Misleading Ingredient Labelling
A significant finding of the study was the inaccuracy of ingredient labeling. Specifically, 57% of products containing WADA-prohibited substances failed to list these substances as ingredients on their packaging or associated websites. This poses a significant challenge for athletes attempting to make informed decisions.
Australian Institute of Sport Position
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has released a position statement on sports supplements, acknowledging that “some supplements and sports foods can play a small but valuable role in [a sports nutrition] plan”.
Balancing Rewards and Risks
“The use of supplements and sports foods involves a balance between the potential rewards (its contribution to an evidence based sports nutrition plan) and potential risks (e.g. health concerns, anti-doping rule violations, misplaced priorities),” the AIS statement further elaborated.
Recommendation for Athletes
The report advises athletes who are concerned about the risk of testing positive for a banned substance to exclusively use products that have undergone independent testing and certification, thereby minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent doping violations.