Are you a competitive or elite athlete? Do you want to make sure you are only taking banned substance free supplements? Then you need to know about Informed Choice!
Banned Substances and Supplements
Doping in sport has sadly been around for a long time, but with increased drug testing and advance technology, more and more cases are being uncovered. Sadly, some supplements contain banned substances either hidden in the ingredients or through contamination of other products. This poses a risks to atheles as they could inadvertently test positive. Research has shown that banned substances can be found in everyday sports supplements.
A UK study chose 24 supplements sold in fitness equipment shops in the United Kingdom to test for anabolic steroids. These supplements were chosen because their name, ingredients, or product advertising raised suspicion. The study found that 23 out of 24 of these products tested positive for anabolic steroids.
A study founded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) tested over 600 supplements. They found that 15 percent of the supplements tested contained banned substances. The steroids or related compounds found during testing were not listed on the label.
These studies highlight the importance of only using trusted, certified supplements.
Watch the video below to learn more about how everyday supplements can become contaminated with banned substances.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Zu-IJ30M0[/embed]
Informed Choice and Banned Substance Free Supplements
While many organisations say "just don't take supplements, it's not worth your career", athletes can check their products on the Informed Choice website or look for the informed choice logo.
Informed choice is a rigorous testing and certification program designed to test supplements for banned substances. Informed choice certification ensures certified products don't contain any substances prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The certified products are tested on a monthly basis for banned substances using LGC’s world class sports anti-doping labs. LGC’s testing capability for supplements and ingredients includes the analysis of over 160 substances that are prohibited in sport and competition.
With the high demands of training and performance for competitive and elite athletes, it may not be possible to get everything they need through diet alone. Being smart about what supplements they use and making sure they have been tested means they can support training and performance safely.
Supplement brands with Informed Choice certified products* include: Musclepharm, Fitmiss, Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize, Inner Armour, Scivation Xtend, Cellucor, BSC, Nutrex and Universal. *Please note that not all of the products from these brands may be certified. Check the products for the Informed Choice logo or search the Informed Choice product database.
These brands work with high performance and elite athletes, providing banned substance free supplements that athletes can trust.
Look out for the Informed Choice logo or head over to their website and search the product in their database.