RISKS OF SUPPLEMENTS USE

Risks of Using Dietary Supplements

We strongly recommend exercising caution when selecting or consuming dietary supplements. Due to current limitations in random testing of compounds in supplements, some supplements have been found to be positive. This means they may contain substances that risk violating global anti-doping regulations. This can occur due to improper importation, substandard products, products not tested by reliable sources, incorrect labeling, and direct contamination with substances.
The Doping Control Agency for Sport (DCAT) announces that there is no 100% guarantee that dietary supplements currently available on the market are free from any prohibited substances.

Risks of Using/Consuming Dietary Supplements include:

  • Manufacturing standards that are sometimes less stringent than drug production, where lower production standards can lead to contamination in factories
  • Counterfeit or low-quality products that may contain prohibited substances and other substances harmful to health
  • Incorrect supplement labeling
  • Incorrect substance dosage (DOSE) specifications that are inaccurate or not listed on the product label
  • False claims that certain supplements are certified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or labeled as 'Safe for Athletes' - don't believe these claims as the anti-doping organization does not provide any such certifications
  • Some foods are not suitable for children and can be harmful to young athletes. All athletes should assess the benefits and risks that may arise when considering using or consuming supplements
The Doping Control Agency for Sport recommends considering 'Food First' which meets athletes' needs or not. However,
If possible, such assessment should be supported by certified sports nutritionists familiar with anti-doping principles as the best method for confidence.

Check Your Supplements

If after careful consideration athletes wish to use supplements, they need to follow these steps to reduce risks:

  • Choose supplements that are necessary and most beneficial to your body, with assistance from certified nutritionists or experts who can assess needs along with appropriate supplement intake
  • Do not use or share supplements with other athletes, as each athlete has different nutritional needs
  • Select supplement products tested by independent private companies. Currently, there are supplement compound testing methods (BATCH-TEST) including INFORMED SPORT, CERTIFIED FOR SPORT OR KÖLNER LISTE
  • Even with certification from these companies, athletes must still rely on these certifications. This supplement committee has included production results because the same product may come from different production batches. If athletes test positive for risk substances (POSITIVE TEST), this information can be included in penalty considerations
  • However, please remember that no supplement is 100% risk-free, but athletes and sports support personnel can understand these steps to reduce potential risks