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Long-Term Effects of Taking Supplements for Muscle Gain

Sep 9, 2011 | By Tomas Linnaeus
Long-Term Effects of Taking Supplements for Muscle Gain
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Athletes have increasingly used supplements to gain an advantage. Anecdotal reports suggest that testosterone analogs facilitate muscle development, yet little scientific data support this conjecture. The steroid culture has remained largely underground for years, according to a June 2011 review in "BJU International." These substances have side effects, making human trials unethical. Animals studies reveal that these drugs cause both positive and negative changes. Talk to your doctor before using supplements to build muscle.

Hormones

Nandrolone remains a commonly abused supplement, despite causing adverse events. A November 2009 report in the "Journal of Applied Physiology" showed that nandrolone facilitated muscle recovery following injury in animal subjects. Human athletes inject this substance to enhance muscle growth and physical strength. These short-term gains come at a price as nandrolone has unwanted long-term effects. A study described in the August 2011 edition of the "Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" showed that the steroid adversely affects the endocrine system during withdrawal. Weightlifters continued to have altered levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone a year after abusing nandrolone.

DNA

Stanozolol has become a well-known supplement for female bodybuilders. This steroid increases muscle size in laboratory animals, according to June 2008 report in the "European Journal of Applied Physiology." Unlike most steroids, athletes can take stanozolol orally. Such use remains dangerous, as stanozolol causes long-term side effects. An investigation presented in the December 2010 issue of "Steroids" looked at the impact of nandrolone or stanozolol in weightlifters. Athletes who took either of these steroids for two months showed chromosome damage. Biopsies revealed that the steroids killed cells and altered DNA.

Cancer

Androstenedione became popular in Major League Baseball during the 1990s. Players started using "andro" as a strength enhancer and to facilitate recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, studies reveal that androstenedione increases muscle size, according to an August 2009 report in "Steroids." Yet, long-term use of this steroid has serious consequences. An experiment published in the September 2011 edition of "Food and Chemical Toxicology" evaluated the potential toxicity of androstenedione in laboratory animals. Rodents received daily injections of the steroid for two years. These injections caused liver cancer in mice and lung cancer in rats.

Cognition

Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, remains available over the counter, despite concerns about its effectiveness and safety. This steroid increases muscle size during recovery from injury, according to an October 2009 report in the "Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing." It also appears to have long-term psychological effects. A clinical trial offered in the October 2010 issue of "Geriatrics and Gerontology International" tested the impact of DHEA on older women. Patients with mild dementia received DHEA for six months. Relative to controls, patients given DHEA showed improvement in their mental abilities.

References

Article reviewed by Sharon Last updated on: Sep 9, 2011

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