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
- Can increase muscle mass and reduce body fat
Some beta-2 agonists are allowed with a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for athletes with diagnosed asthma, but strict limits apply.
4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators
- Aromatase inhibitors
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Agents modifying myostatin function
5. Diuretics and Masking Agents
- Substances that alter fluid balance
- Can be used to:
- Rapid weight loss for weight-class sports
- Mask the presence of other banned substances
- Examples include furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
Remember that this list is not exhaustive, and WADA updates its prohibited list annually to include new substances and methods.
ExampleA real-world example of how these substances affect sports: In cycling, EPO was widely abused because it increases red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery to muscles. This gives cyclists a significant advantage in endurance events, but it also makes blood dangerously thick, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
NoteThe use of any of these substances without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) can result in serious sanctions, including multi-year bans from competition.
