Steroids, in addition to providing body strength, are tightly connected to numerous scandals and lawsuits, but not necessarily in the sports area. Last year, the FDA notified consumers that certain “body-building supplements” might contain undeclared steroids, which can cause serious long-term health problems like acute liver injury. That was not the first time that happened, but once again the message was sent out – one can get away for quite some time before authorities catches them with not listing all the ingredients on the box.
Disguised as a dietary supplement, two different products contained a synthetic anabolic steroid were sold to public without any prescriptions.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that promote the retention of protein and the growth of tissue, and their use – or abuse – can help an athlete build bigger muscles faster than with workouts alone. Benefits include strength and stamina, but the risks are quite high – they range from infertility to psychological changes to cancer.
Products marketed as dietary supplements that contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients like steroids are considered to be illegal, misbranded drugs. The FDA has jurisdiction over dietary supplements, defined as “products that offer general health benefits but cannot claim to treat specific diseases or symptoms.” Manufacturers of this product were knowingly deceiving customers and the government by selling two practically illegal drugs.
The sports nutrition company pleaded guilty to dietary supplements that had been illegally spiked with steroids. Shortly after the trial another sports nutrition company located on a different coast, announced a recall of 17 products marketed as dietary supplements.
When consuming dietary supplements, keep in mind that you need to follow the instructions and use them as directed since an overdose might lead to unpredictable results. Prescribed suggestions are put on the bottle for a reason. Steroids were widely used by athletes, since they were pressed for time and needed to achieve results in a short period of time. A person who is not in professional sports may put himself in danger, just as much as “unprofessional cook with an extra sharp knife.”