As with all areas of the World Anti-Doping Code the concept of strict liability is applicable in relation to supplements. The inadvertent use of a supplement containing a Prohibited Substance would not be a valid excuse if such a substance was found in your Sample.  It is vital that you are fully aware of the risks associated with using supplements.

There are an increasing number of supplements available to you as an Athlete. These can be purchased from a variety of sources, ranging from your local supermarket to the internet. While some of these products may identify Prohibited Substances in their ingredient list, it is important to understand that supplements may contain Prohibited Substances even if they are not on the label. The most common cause of this is through product contamination.

You should give careful consideration to the decision to use supplements as no guarantee can be given that any particular supplement is free from a Prohibited Substance.

Herbal remedies, such as Ginseng, Guarana and Echinacea have also been found to contain prohibited stimulants or other substances.  Often herbal remedies are given a number of different names. For example, Ma Huang (Chinese Ephedra) is a plant that contains the Prohibited Substance Ephedrine.

Be Informed

To make an informed choice, you must ensure you have gathered the necessary information to undertake a proper risk/benefit analysis before using supplements. As a minimum you should:

1. Assess the Need

• Is there valid evidence that the supplement works?
• Do you need to take it if you already have a well balanced diet?

Diet, lifestyle and training should all be optimised before considering supplements.  You should assess the need for supplements by consulting an accredited sports dietician, a registered nutritionist with expertise in sports nutrition and/or a sports and exercise medicine doctor.

It is also important you are aware that many of the claims that are made about the efficacy of supplement products are not supported by conclusive scientific evidence.

Nutritional support can be sought from:
 

The British Dietetic Association

Phone: +44 (0) 121 200 8080

Website: www.bda.uk.com

The Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register

Website: www.senr.org.uk

English Institute of Sport

Phone: +44 (0)870 759 0400

Website: www.eis2win.co.uk

Welsh Institute of Sport

Phone: +44 (0)845 045 0902

Website: www.welsh-institute-sport.co.uk

Scottish Institute of Sport

Phone: +44 (0)1786 460 100

Website: www.sisport.com

The Sports Institute N.Ireland

Phone: +44 (0) 2890 368295

Website: www.sini.co.uk

2. Assess the Risk

How is the supplement manufactured, packaged and distributed?

You should always consider the quality assurance process involved in creating a product.

Following the steps below will help you to make an informed decision and minimise the risk of a contaminated product reaching you;

i. Who are you purchasing the product from?

Ensure you know about the company you are purchasing a supplement from as well as the product, especially if the company is an internet only firm.

Identify to whom the target audience for the product is aimed. Gym members and some body builders may not be subject to the same level of testing and anti-doping rules as an elite Athlete.

ii. What other products does the supplement company produce?

You should avoid purchasing supplements from a manufacturer who also produces supplements that contain Prohibited Substances.

You should note that having your supplement product tested by a Laboratory does not provide a guarantee that it is free from Prohibited Substances.

iii. Are the advertising claims substantiated?
 
Some supplement companies target sportspeople by using the words ‘IOC PERMITTED’ to build confidence in the product. The IOC or WADA do not endorse any supplements and advise caution to Athletes wanting to use them.