The data released during the anti-doping symposium organized by the International Association of Athletic Federations showed a very sad reality: 25% of all vitamins and supplements on sale are spiked with anabolic steroids and people use them without supposing anything about it. This is subject of interest not only for the bodybuilding community as for all people of all ages. Ordinary individuals, who need supplementation or vitamins go to the pharmacy and buy these products with a strong feeling that this is right and they gonna be useful.
Over the last time, there was much reclamation on serious side effects as hair growth on women, liver problems, heart problems or impotence causing specializes institutions to take a closer look over the nutritional supplements market.
Back in 2006, doping experts have signaled the problem of supplements tainted with steroids. Eight years later situation has not changed dramatically much as we get constant warnings about popular vitamins and supplements being contaminated with body performance enhancement drugs.
In 2009, a report of US National Institutes of Health Nutritional announced that from 634 no hormonal nutritional supplements that were purchased in 13 different countries, 158 of them were contaminated with anabolic-androgenic steroids. The study performed during 2001-2002 years and showed that the biggest part of supplements faked with steroids came from Chinese manufacturers.
Must Read: Top 10 China Powder Steroid Suppliers
In July 2013 FDA warned us that a vitamin B dietary supplement called B-50 contains two anabolic steroids and has been cited as causing unusual hair growth in women and impotence in men. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected samples of the product and discovered the steroids after regular tests. And there can be listed many other warning signs we got over the time.
We saw FDA in action in 2012 when one of the biggest steroids and supplements dealer paid a 7 million dollars fine for selling dietary supplements spiked with steroids. FDA is not just “blowing smoke” when told to take action over this trend. Read the full story here.
The simple question that I have in mind, how many products miss being tested or for how long they administrate to people until the proves to be dangerous for health?! Pretty sure, there still a bunch of products not tested yet by FDA and largely sold in pharmacies.
The worst is that with time, the practice of tainting supplements with steroids has become even more popular. So that today larger amounts of banned substances can be found in nutritional supplements while users have no imagination of what they contain.
According to what has stated on the label there are safe products, containing only natural and acceptable substances. But you will never know their true composition. Not less important is the cross-contamination of supplements and vitamins that have to worry us in the same measure.
Must Read: Do Bodybuilding Supplements Really Work?
Not only nutritional supplements and vitamins are with steroids. Weight loss pills or sexual enhancement supplements also intentionally contaminated with steroids. There are many risks for a person who is unknowingly ingesting these products, especially if they have or are prone to heart, liver diseases or baldness.
The main reason behind this is money. How can this be explained? When taking a supplement you want it to show maximum effectiveness. If you lose weight, you want to do it fast. You want to build a better physique as soon as possible. We all look for fast results, whatever it is about.
The supplement which proves to give the best result is the one you will choose. The more powerful is the supplement, the higher the chances for it to be with steroids. Normally, supplements contain substances of natural origin, so they cannot do wonders overnight. They are just a spark in the whole process.
Must Read: 5 Ways to Tell If Your Gear is Expired or Unusable
The more potent is a supplement, the higher demand for it, the better it is selling. So, to increase sales manufacturers resort to such a trick. The biggest concern has to raise supplements that come from the new brand company, because reputable ones, with years of presence on the supplement market, have fewer chances to risk this way.
Must Read: 6 Best Supplements to Increase your Stamina
FDA try to keep under control the supplements market, but this will never be enough to be sure no fakes are around. The best would be to do your own research before buying anything. Avoid cheap, unknown origin source supplements sell on the corner of the street or by first time met guy. Most probably, these are low quality products that put your health at risk.
Instead, look for authority manufacturers in this field and check what other users have to say on their products. A high number of positive reviews is a sign that this products are good. But even so, you cannot be 100% sure about it ever.
"Are supplements tainted with steroids?" In many cases yes. But you are not told to avoid supplements use at all. They can help you to enhance your body weight or lose fat effectively. Choose them more rigorously and be aware of this fact. Stay informed and stay healthy!
Winter workouts can be challenging, but with the right clothing, you can stay warm, comfortable,…
Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without…
Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these…
Nootropics in bodybuilding refer to supplements or substances that enhance cognitive functions such as focus,…
Bone broth has gained popularity in the fitness community, including among bodybuilders, due to its…
Sleeping positions can significantly impact muscle recovery for bodybuilders. Here's how: 1. Blood Flow and…