Risk Of Supplement Use
Athletes are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when it comes to supplement use. Numerous anti-doping violations have been linked to improper use, inaccurate labeling, or contamination of dietary supplements.
The concern lies in the fact that, in many countries, supplement production and labeling are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceutical products. This lack of oversight can result in products containing undeclared substances that are banned under anti-doping regulations. Claiming that a mislabeled supplement was consumed is not considered a valid excuse in a doping case.
Potential risks associated with supplements include:
• Lax manufacturing practices: Standards are often significantly lower than those for medicines. This can lead to cross-contamination with banned substances, especially when equipment is not properly cleaned between batches.
• Counterfeit or poor-quality products: These may contain banned compounds and pose serious health risks.
• Incorrect labeling: Ingredients might be inaccurately listed or omitted entirely, making it difficult to assess whether a product is compliant.
• Misleading marketing: Some products may falsely claim endorsement by Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) or state that they are “safe for athletes.” Be advised—ADOs do not approve or certify any supplements.
Before deciding to use any supplement, athletes should perform a thorough risk-benefit assessment. A good starting point is to evaluate whether their needs can be met through a “food-first” approach. Ideally, this evaluation should be done in consultation with a certified sports nutritionist or other qualified expert familiar with anti-doping regulations.
How to Minimize Risk When Using Supplements
If, after careful evaluation, an athlete chooses to proceed with supplementation, several precautionary measures should be taken:
• Conduct detailed research on the supplement’s content and dosage preferably under guidance from a certified nutritionist or an expert knowledgeable in Anti-Doping Rules.
• Use only products that have undergone independent batch testing, which helps reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of contamination.
While no supplement can be guaranteed to be completely risk-free, athletes and their support teams can take informed steps to reduce potential dangers.
Please note: Neither WADA nor CIPS/NADOs certify or endorse any supplement brands or manufacturers. They also do not regulate the supplement industry or verify the accuracy of marketing claims made by these companies.