PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTI-DOPING ORGANIZATION
RISKS OF SUPPLEMENT USE
According to WADA, there are several risks associated with supplement use, including:
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Contamination
Supplements can be contaminated with prohibited substances, even if they are not listed on the label. This can result in a positive doping test and sanctions for the athlete.
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Mislabeling
Supplements may be mislabeled or contain inaccurate information about their contents. This can lead to unintended ingestion of prohibited substances or exposure to dangerous levels of certain nutrients.
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Adverse health effects
Some supplements may have adverse health effects, especially if taken in high doses or in combination with other substances. For example, high doses of vitamin A can be toxic, and creatine supplementation may cause kidney damage in some individuals.
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Financial cost
Supplements can be expensive, and athletes may be spending money on products that are ineffective or even harmful.
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Lack of regulation
The supplement industry is not as closely regulated as the pharmaceutical industry, which means that there may be little oversight of the safety and efficacy of supplements.
WADA advises athletes to be cautious when considering supplement use and to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or sports dietician before taking any supplements. Athletes should also only use supplements that have been certified by third-party organizations, such as Informed Sport or NSF International, to minimize the risk of contamination. Finally, athletes should be aware that supplements are not a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet and that most athletes can meet their nutritional needs through food alone.
