Miracle products, touted as a quick shortcut to the perfect body, are everywhere at the moment. The Internet is awash with them, and the prohibited products are trending in the social media. They range from products for a well-toned appearance through to anti-aging products for youthful vigor.
A wide variety of products that allude to higher performance, faster regeneration or a positive impact on the hormonal balance can be found on the Internet and social media, promoted in particular by influencers on Instagram and TikTok, but also on YouTube. Although praised as products for athletes, many are supplements containing harmful substances. These are often hyped or harmful ingredients which have not been researched and are not approved for use by humans, and are banned in sport according to the Prohibited List.
Ordering brings doping and health risks
There has been a sharp rise in online availability on dubious websites, as well as direct purchases via social media due to influencer advertising. In recent years, we have also seen a steady increase in the prohibited substances withdrawn from circulation by the authorities. Athletes ordering or using such products run a high risk of doping and consequently a long suspension. But it is not just the risk of sanctions that is high; these products are also dangerous for non-athletes, because they pose serious health risks.
Risks and side-effects
The substances have not been sufficiently tested for use. They are not approved as drugs and are often marketed as nutritional supplements or chemicals “for research purposes”. The products are manufactured illegally and are not subject to quality control. They are often over- or underdosed or do not contain the listed substances. The substances are banned according to the Prohibited List, and have a higher risk of serious side-effects. For example:
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs)
SARMs increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and can cause psychoses, liver damage, infertility, testicular atrophy and sexual dysfunction, among other things. Examples of SARMs:
- Andarin (S4)
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033)
- Ostarine (enobosarm, MK-2866, S22)
- RAD-140 (Testolone, vosilasarm)
- RAD-150
Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677
MK-677 influences the release of growth hormone and IGF-1. However, other hormones, such as cortisol and prolactin, can also be inadvertently influenced. Furthermore, MK-677 can cause water retention, increased appetite, higher blood sugar and sexual dysfunction.
Further examples of prohibited substances
The following substances are also banned according to the Prohibited List. They have undergone little or no testing for use in humans. They are manufactured illegally, and it is entirely unclear whether there is a safe dose or whether safe use is possible.
- BPC-157: This is an experimental peptide often portrayed as harmless and extolled for various medical indications. However, these claims have not been verified by the medical literature
- GW1516 (GSK-516): PPAR-d agonist
- GW0742: PPAR-d agonist
- SR9009: Rev-erba agonist
- SR9011: Rev-erba agonist
- TB-500 (thymosin beta-4).
Swiss Sport Integrity warns all athletes against products touted as a simple shortcut or miracle drug for achieving the perfect body. Even if these products are advertised as harmless and can be easily purchased online or via social media, they often contain high-risk and prohibited substances. To prevent a violation of the anti-doping rules, and in particular to protect health, Swiss Sport Integrity therefore urgently advises against using them.
More information:
Nutritional Supplements
Import Ban