RUSADA hosted an online meeting on "Dietary supplements containing prohibited substances" to prevent and protect athletes from risks associated with using contaminated supplements.
Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) regularly warns athletes about the dangers of using supplements, and speakers at the meeting covered all aspects of this issue in detail.
Valeria German, head of RUSADA's Results Management Department, discussed several cases of anti-doping violations related to contaminated supplements and outlined key guidelines for athletes who are aware of the risks and still choose to use supplements:
- Before using supplements, consult with a sports physician.
- Do not purchase supplements without consulting a professional.
- Be wary of aggressive marketing tactics.
- Include information about supplements used and manufacturer in doping control forms.
Nikolay Kondakov, the head of the RUSADA science department, spoke about the risks associated with the use of dietary supplements, including many names for the same substance. He also provided recommendations on how athletes can reduce the risk of using supplements.
Timofey Yashin, the head of the functional correction department at the Center for Sports Medicine of the FMBA of Russia, discussed the principles of using dietary supplements for athletes, including young athletes. He provided specific information on food and biologically active substances that children and teenagers can take, indicating dosages. Additionally, he focused on the quality control process for dietary supplements at the FMBA.
Due to irresponsible manufacturers of dietary supplements who do not clearly indicate the actual ingredients on the packaging, not only athletes are affected, but also anyone who wants to supplement their bodies with "vitamins" is at risk. Alexander Zhestkov, the executive director of the Union of Dietary Supplement Manufacturers, spoke about a real-life case of driving rights being revoked due to the use of undeclared amphetamines in dietary supplements. He also discussed the domestic dietary supplement market, analyzing why contaminated or substandard products are still available, and the steps the union is taking to improve the situation.
Watch the recording of the online meeting to learn more about the taste of supplements containing prohibited substances.
Speakers' presentationson the topic.
We would like to remind you that RUSADA does not conduct examinations of dietary supplements and also does not recommend their use. Dear athletes, please remember the principle of strict personal responsibility: an athlete is always responsible for everything that enters their body!