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Enhancement drugs and the athlete.
Francesco Botrè1, Antonio Pavan
1Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Largo Giulio Onesti 1, 00197 Rome RM, Italy. francesco.botre@uniroma1.it
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) pose significant health risks in sports. Further research is needed to fully understand the toxic potential of these substances, including drug combinations and designer steroids.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports has a long history.
- International anti-doping organizations and testing protocols have evolved to combat drug abuse.
- Concerns exist regarding the health implications of PEDs, including novel substances and combinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the health risks associated with the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports.
- To discuss the evolution of doping substances, methods, and anti-doping efforts.
- To highlight specific concerns related to drug associations, designer steroids, and nutritional supplements.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on PEDs and their health effects.
- Analysis of the current landscape of anti-doping organizations and testing procedures.
- Discussion of potential risks based on available data and expert knowledge.
Main Results:
- Abuse of PEDs is linked to various adverse health outcomes.
- Drug associations, designer steroids, and nutritional supplements present unique risks.
- Current data from randomized clinical trials may not capture the full spectrum of adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- The abuse of PEDs in sports carries substantial health risks.
- More targeted research is essential to fully elucidate the toxicological profile of PEDs.
- A comprehensive understanding of PED risks is crucial for athlete safety and anti-doping initiatives.
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