Nonsteroidal anabolic supplements (NAS) are ergogenic dietary supplements that aid in stimulating protein synthesis and muscle growth. Many of these products claim performance enhancing effects despite a lack of scientific evidence to substantiate their efficacy. While NASs may not actually enhance performance, they carry the same risk for negative side effects as the popularly scrutinized androgenic anabolic steroids. Despite increased regulations and bans on many ergogenic aids, they continue to creep into professional and collegiate sports, as well as noncompetitive and cosmetic arenas of athletic performance.
Erythropoietin and Blood Doping
Erythropoietin (EPO) is naturally produced in the kidney and triggers increases in blood hemoglobin. Exogenous EPO increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood enhancing performance during aerobic exercise. Blood doping is the practice of administering additional hemoglobin to the blood to produce the same aerobic enhancing effect. Side effects of artificially enhanced hemoglobin levels include stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and thromboembolism. EPO and blood doping are banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Football League (NFL).
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone (HHG) is naturally produced by the body and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It functions to promote anabolism in a variety of other metabolic pathways. Proponents claim exogenous HHG and its precursors increase muscle mass. While HHG supplementation has been shown to increase lean body mass, it does not increase strength or performance. Side effects include muscle myopathy, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, and insulin resistance. HHG is banned by the IOC, FIFA, NCAA and NFL.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are chemically similar to the fight-or-flight hormones released by the adrenal glands, called catecholamines. Their metabolic actions result in vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, enhanced mood and increased resistance to fatigue. Amphetamines have proven to have an anabolic effect shown to improve muscle strength and anaerobic capacity. Side effects include anxiety, ventricular dysrhythmias, hypertension, hallucinations, dependence and addiction. Most classes of amphetamines are banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and several are banned by American professional sports.
Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate
Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine. It is marketed as an "anti-catabolic" claimed to suppress protein breakdown during post-exercise recovery. The mechanism of HMB is not known and while there is some evidence to support the claims there is insufficient scientific proof that HMB is an effective ergogenic aid. There are no known side effects to HMB, it appears to be safe, and may protect cardiovascular function. To date, HMB is not banned by any organization.
References
- Am J Sports Med; Ergogenic Aids: A Review of Basic Science, Performance, Side Effects, and Status in Sports; John Tokish MD; 2004
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