Banned Non-Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Sports
Let's dive into the five major classes of non-nutritional ergogenic aids that are currently banned by both the IOC and WADA. These substances are prohibited because they can give athletes an unfair advantage and often pose serious health risks.
1. Anabolic Agents
- Includes anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and other anabolic substances
- Examples include testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol
- Used to increase muscle mass and strength
Anabolic agents are perhaps the most notorious of banned substances in sports, with numerous high-profile cases throughout sporting history.
2. Peptide Hormones and Growth Factors
- Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
- Erythropoietin (EPO)
- Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)
Many athletes mistakenly believe that because these substances occur naturally in the body, using synthetic versions is safer than using steroids. This is not true!
3. Beta-2 Agonists
- Substances like salbutamol and clenbuterol
- Originally developed for treating asthma