Athletes often use weightlifting supplements to boost their performance or gain a competitive edge. While the supplements carry a variety of health risks, some performance boosters are associated with a higher likelihood for the hepatitis C virus that can lead to permanent liver damage. Alert your doctor before taking any supplement to enhance your athletic performance.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is one of six viruses known to trigger a liver inflammation called hepatitis and is the virus commonly associated with athletic supplements. Hepatitis C is often passed from one person to another through exposure to blood that is contaminated with the virus and impairs your liver function by causing inflammation and potentially liver scarring or cancer. Some people with hepatitis C find relief of symptoms through medications combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, although the virus is chronic and has no cure. Fatigue, joint and muscle soreness and lack of appetite are common symptoms of hepatitis C.
Anabolic Weightlifting Supplements
Your risk increases for hepatitis C when you use oral or injected anabolic steroid supplements to improve your strength and muscle mass, although weightlifters who share needles face the highest likelihood for the virus. Anabolic supplements often lead to jaundice, a symptom of hepatitis. Jaundice occurs when a buildup of waste called bilirubin in your blood causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn a yellowish-orange color.
Types
Synthetic modifications of the hormone testosterone are the most common form of anabolic steroid supplements. Doctors prescribe the supplements for some medical conditions, although anabolic testosterone is not recommended as a method for weightlifters to enhance athletic performance. Athletes who use testosterone claim to benefit through stronger muscles and a faster ability to recover from strenuous workouts. Steroid supplements created illegally---often called designer drugs---are another type of anabolic supplement. The supplements typically go undetected during drug-screening tests. Anabolic designer drugs serve no medical benefit and pose serious threats to your health since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn't tested the supplements for safety.
Human Growth Hormone
Athletes who inject human growth hormone are also at risk for hepatitis C. Although doctors often prescribe HGH to treat people with hormone deficiencies, media attention often centers on weightlifters who use HGH. Evidence is lacking to support claims that the supplements benefit an athletic workout. The high cost of the supplements is a primary reason for the widespread sale of growth hormone products online, although the non-prescription products typically consist of amino acids and do not benefit your hormone levels.
Warning
Athletes with hepatitis C face a higher chance of toxic hepatitis---an allergic reaction that occurs when you consume certain drugs or supplements.
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