Food supplements and fortified foods (in proteins, amino acids or plant extracts) still represent a risk to the health of athletes, whether professional or amateur. Easily accessible on the market, these products can be responsible for cardiovascular problems and can even endanger the vital prognosis of consumers. The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) issued a new alert on this subject on July 17.
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Easily accessible products
In order to develop muscle mass or reduce fat mass, many people consume food supplements and enriched products, foods whose purpose is normally to improve our nutritional intake. Based on plants, vitamins and minerals or other substances such as glucosamine, they come in various forms such as capsules, sachets, or ampoules. They are available in different forms, such as gelules, sachets or ampoules.These products are quite accessible and can be found in pharmacies, gyms or simply on the Internet.
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20% side effects considered very serious
The risk of adverse effects related to the consumption of these products is still poorly understood. However, between 2016 and February 2024, the agency has listed 154 cases of adverse effects, including 18 “very serious”. Two deaths and four life-threatening prognoses were reported during this period. Between 2009 and 2016, “only” 49 reports had been made.
“ Among the many adverse effects reported, cardiovascular effects are the most frequent with the occurrence of tachycardia, palpitations and even cardiac arrest, list the agency In a statement. General symptoms such as malaise, fatigue, fever, dizziness, digestive and neurological effects (strokes) have also been recorded.“.
Some ingredients are prohibited such as “ anabolic steroids, clenbuterol and ephedrine », underlines Anses. Others are authorized but not by theWorld Anti-Doping Agency. One more reason for top athletes, who will be gathered at the Paris Olympic Games, to remain vigilant.
Products and effects
Anabolic steroids are a synthetic version of testosterone to increase muscle size. Clenbuterol is originally used in veterinary medicine: it allows fat loss and increased blood flow. Ephedrine releases noradrenaline through synapses, a neurotransmitter that facilitates excitement and alertness.
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What are the recommendations for taking supplements safely?
Anses advises against consuming a mixture of food supplements and/or medications. In addition, theIt is essential to discuss this with a health professional before consuming it, and it is best to inform your doctor of any such consumption. Please note that compliant products are identifiable by the European standard EN17444:2021. And it is also recommended to report any adverse effects on the site Nutrivigilance.
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