Unintentional Doping

I don’t know how many times I have wrote articles and blog posts, talked and actually been in discussions with parents concerning the subject of use of supplements while they simply allow their young teenage children have unmonitored use, i suppose it’s a difficult and confusing subject, I mean we can see pre workouts, fat burners and appetite suppressants online, displayed freely on the shelves in gyms and many stores, even many main stream chain food supply companies have now jumped on the fitness train, selling these products.

In 2018/19 it was widely criticized as an excuse by athletes, a way out of the corner they had been forced into after testing positive for use of banned substances and although I’m not walking down that road and protecting or accusing any body or organization, the numbers are now in, and they have arrived in strength.

The new study released in 2022, shows testing of 3132 supplements across 50 studies,the result maybe surprising for most but as professional that as spent well over 20 years in the environment of weight lifting, body building and functional movement my eyes roll.

From the 3132 supplements and the 50 studies 28 % (percent) of the products contained undeclared substances.

Most common were appetite suppressants and fat loss, and although I found stats for pre work out and other products that are certainly in use daily but the information just doesn’t seem to reach main stream and as long as the supplement industry as very little monitoring, the situation is a up hill climb.

Anti doping Norway have stats and information concerning results not only from professional athletes but also test performed in gyms throughout Norway with the claim of unintentional positive test results.

My concern and personal view isn’t that this is cheating to reach goals, I don’t care about that, there is cheating in all sports, who cares? My concern is the health of each and every individual that actually feel they are making and taking the correct choice,using supplements that are directed to be a benefit to their health and life goals, but ironically could be causing more harm than good.

Do your research people, check the authors of the research and all products used should be high quality third party tested. (This is only my opinion) or plain and simple, eat healthy get lots of beneficial sleep, create a safe and healthy routine, and have sustainable goals. stay safe.