Supplements

Supplements in sports could be a real threat to the athlete to commit an anti-doping rule violation. There is no certificate to guarantee 100% that the products do not contain banned substances.

Every athlete should be careful when using a food supplement - it is necessary to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the product before use - name, composition, expiration date, search for additional information (e.g. on the Internet or other sources);

Facts

• 44% of the positive results of the analyzes of doping samples of the National Anti-Doping Organization in Great Britain are consequence of the use of banned substances contained in food supplements;

• Out of 2631 doping tests conducted during the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, 7 positive samples were reported and all of them included the intake of food supplements.

Risks when using food supplements

• Supplements may contain prohibited substances;

• Contamination can occur during the production process (accidental mixing of prohibited substances and the supplement);

• The ingredients of the product on the label may be written differently from the one in the Prohibition List;

• Supplements can be sold as imitation products. The risk of using supplements is greatest when purchased online;

• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not approve the use of food supplements. If the label states that the use is authorized by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or another responsible organization, this is not true.

Recommendations

• Assess the need to take the supplement - it is best to consult a doctor (team doctor);

• Assess the risk and consequences - you may receive a penalty of 4 years of suspension of competitive activity;

• In case the intake of the supplement is necessary, choose a product with proven efficacy and purity;

• Make sure that the product meets the quality standards and has a doping-free certificate;

• Make sure the product is tested for banned substances in a licensed laboratory.

The World Anti-Doping Code, in force since 2021, recognizes the risks of using food supplements. One of the basic principles of the Code states that it is the responsibility of every athlete to make sure that a prohibited substance has not entered his body. Athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers if found in a doping sample. Intention does not matter: intentionally, by mistake, negligence or knowingly - this is a violation of anti-doping rules.

Contaminated products

In cases where the Athlete or other person can prove "minor fault / error or negligence" and that the Prohibited Substance is from a contaminated product, then the elimination period should be within the minimum - reprimand and maximum - two years of disqualification. depending on the degree of guilt of the athlete or another person.

Athletes who use dietary supplements should consider the benefit-health balance and the potential risk of a positive doping test when using contaminated or counterfeit products. The consequences can be serious both for the health and for the athlete's sports career.