Performance Enhancing Substances and Ergogenic Aids Johnson Interview

Performance Enhancing Substances Ergogenic substances- performance-enhancing drugs or dietary supplements Ergogenic effect- positive performance-enhancing result. Comes from Greek word ergon= work and gennan= to produce. Thus, ergogenic something that produces or enhances work. Any ergogenic substance has some benefit-risk tradeoff. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the main ergogenic substances that athletes are likely to encounter. This will help athletes make well informed decisions and ignore useless and possibly harmful products. It may also steer athletes away from banned drugs if athletes can be made aware that competitors who cheat run the high risk of being detected.

Performance Enhancing Substances Dietary Supplements Considered a food substance whose purpose is to supplement deficiencies Dietary supplements is a catch-all term that the FDA does not consider drugs and that fall into categories of normal foods or food additives. Generally, they are highly refined products that would not be confused with a food. They may not have any positive nutritional value Not intended as a performance enhancer Nutritional needs can be met in all cases in North America through balanced consumption of real foods Multi Billion dollar business

Types of Performance Enhancing Substances 2 principal categories of performance- enhancing substances: a. Naturally occurring hormones and drugs that mimic their effects b. Dietary supplements

Types of Performance Enhancing Substances The distinction between dietary supplement and drug is not an obvious one, however, it is an important one. The distinction determines whether or not a product must meet Food and Drug Administration approval for safety and effectiveness. If not classified as a drug or advertised as having therapeutic value, the FDA generally does not regulate the sale of a product. This means that a manufacturer can introduce a new dietary supplement to the market without any approval. (in USA) Part of the definition of a drug is a substance that changes the body’s structure or function. This includes substances that stimulate hormone secretion.

Ergogenic Substances They are usually banned from athletic competition when a consensus is reached that they may provide a competitive edge. A few substances have been banned for other reasons such as medical safety and social unacceptability.

Ben Johnson