[Doping and dietary supplements].

Abstract

Dietary supplements are widely promoted and used all over the world as a means of losing weight, increasing energy and athletic performance, or for compensating for true or supposed deficits. Traditionally, dietary supplements have been defined as products composed of one or more essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. But, in 1994, the US Congress broadened the definition to include (albeit with some exceptions) any product intended for ingestion as a supplement to the diet. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and other plant-derived substances; amino acids and substances such as enzymes, hormones, and metabolites. Some dietary supplements contains substances prohibited by anti-doping rules or may pose a health risk to some persons. Positive cases of doping can be found in three cases: amphetamine-like compounds that have potentially powerful stimulant effects on the nervous system and heart; hormones and pro-hormones; and intentional contamination of dietary supplements with hormones (mainly anabolic steroids). French and EU laws protect French consumers from adverse events related to the use of these products. Nevertheless, lack of controls in some European countries, Internet sales, and poor knowledge among some health care professionals create a persistent risk of use of fake products.