The Olympics will focus more attention on performance-enhancing drugs and supplements.
Anabolic steroids can be detected...but many athletes know how and when to use them without getting caught.
Erythropoietin (EPO) is big for endurance events. It enhances performance by increasing oxygen delivery to the muscles.
A brand-new test to detect EPO will be out in time for the Olympics.
Growth hormone is still popular...there's no reliable test yet.
Supplements are also popular...as an alternative to steroids and other drugs.
Creatine is still big. It seems to work for brief, intense exercise...but doesn't help with endurance. It might give an edge to weight lifters...but not cross-country runners.
Proteolytic enzymes are becoming more popular. In fact, the German Olympic team will be using a product called Wobenzym N.
Wobenzym N contains the enzymes pancreatin...papain...bromelain...trypsin...and chymotrypsin...plus the antioxidant rutin.
It's used as an alternative to NSAIDs...to speed recovery by reducing inflammation and edema.
Caution local athletes and coaches about sports supplements. Alert them that some supplements might contain substances that aren't listed on the label.
You can get a whole CE booklet from us on sports supplements. 4 credits...for $9.50. Just call, fax, e-mail, or send in your Pharmacist's Letter Convenience Card to ask us to send it to you.
Sports Med 1999;27:97. Clin Sports Med 1999;18:667. JAMA 1996;276:231. USOC Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods 1999. Haematologica 2000;85:561,564.
- Other: Sports Supplements