Food Supplements and Enriched Foods for Athletes: Risky Consumption

"This document provides important information regarding the risks associated with food supplements and fortified foods consumed by athletes. It outlines the following: Athletes, both professional and amateur, use food supplements and fortified foods to build muscle mass or reduce body fat, but these products may pose health risks and could lead to failing a drug test due to banned substances The popularity of these products has spread beyond bodybuilders to other sports where muscle strength, power, or reduced body weight are performance factors There is a misconception that a regular diet is insufficient for achieving performance goals Adverse effects from these products have been reported, with 154 new cases between 2016 and February 2024, including two deaths and four life-threatening incidents Cardiovascular issues like tachycardia, palpitations, and cardiac arrest were the most common adverse effects, along with general, digestive, and neurological symptoms Ingredients such as anabolic steroids, clenbuterol, and ephedrine are banned due to serious cardiovascular risks and their presence in supplements is considered fraud Athletes consuming these can fail drug tests Even if an ingredient meets French regulatory requirements, it may not be authorized by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and athletes need to be aware of WADA's banned substances list Athletes are advised to choose products that comply with European standard EN 17444:2021 and to report any adverse effects to the nutrivigilance scheme to aid ANSES's risk assessment and expert appraisal work ANSES has issued a warning to athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals about these risks and has published a report and opinion on the matter in 2016 titled ""Food supplements for athletes: risks for health and uncertain benefits"""