Contamination risk, the WADA Prohibited List, and how to protect yourself when buying supplements online.
This topic is especially important for athletes seeking to optimize their results and health. Proper understanding of this area can be the difference between a good and an excellent performance.
🔑 Key Principles
- Individualized approach — what works for one person may not work for another
- Gradual implementation of changes — no more than 1-2 changes at a time
- Monitoring and adjustment — regularly evaluate results
- Scientific basis — rely on research, not myths
- Consistency — results come through long-term practice
💡 Practical Tips
- Start with small, achievable goals
- Keep a diary to track progress
- Consult specialists (trainer, nutrition specialist)
- Do not compare yourself with others — everyone's path is unique
- Listen to your body's signals
🛒 Recommended Supplements
Why a Supplement Can Be a Doping Violation
In doping control, what matters is not what you intentionally took, but what is found in the sample. Supplements are not strictly regulated like medicines, so they may contain substances not declared by the manufacturer: contamination at the factory, incorrect labeling, or intentional “enhancement.” As a result, an athlete who has taken a “harmless” supplement may be punished for a substance they did not even know about.
🚫 Prohibited Substance Categories (Summary)
| Category | What it is |
|---|---|
| Anabolic Agents | Testosterone and its derivatives, other growth-promoting preparations |
| Peptide Hormones | Growth hormone, EPO, and related substances |
| Beta-2 Agonists | Some asthma medications — prohibited only in certain forms and doses |
| Diuretics and Masking Agents | Preparations that promote fluid excretion, used to conceal other substances |
| Stimulants | Some substances also found in “energy” supplements |
| Glucocorticoids | Strong anti-inflammatory medicines — prohibited during competition |
| Beta Blockers | Blood pressure-lowering medicines — prohibited in some sports |
Categories and prohibitions change over time, so always check the current Prohibited List from an official source, not in articles.
✅ How to Protect Yourself
- Check every product — both a supplement and a cold or pain medicine.
- Contact your national anti-doping organization for a pre-use check — it is free and anonymous.
- Avoid “secret” blends without a full ingredient list — if the composition is unclear, the risk is high.
- Do not use “enhanced” products from unknown sources or social media.
- Medicines needed for treatment coordinate with your doctor — in some cases, a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) can be obtained.
- Keep records of the products you use: if questions arise, you will have something to show.
⚠️ Common Misconceptions
- “Natural means allowed” — not true: many plant-based substances are prohibited.
- “I am not in professional sport” — if you compete, you are tested under the same rules.
- “The manufacturer guaranteed it” — responsibility lies with the athlete, not the manufacturer.
- “One time won’t hurt” — samples are stored for a long time, and tests can be performed later.