Food, supplements, drugs

[toaster]

Where do you draw the line?

Recently in a conversation a name of someone local came up as to rumors of alleged use of anabolics/testosterone and a discussion began on the ethics of the use of PED's in amateur racing.

It made me wonder how many state their opposition to others who may or may not use steroids or testosterone and yet are constantly searching and buying all the popular supplements available through companies like Hammer Nutrition who sell an entire line from sports drinks to anti-oxidants to vitamin/minerals, and therapeutic supplements for joints and PSA, etc.

The claims made by these products suggest performance enhancement and the purpose of consuming them has to be with the idea of improved results from training and beneficial effects of the supplement.

So, where do you draw the line?

Let's assume one begins by eating consistently to obtain the best possible nutrition from foods. The right calories, the right combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates and the correct timing of meals with no junk. Now add nutritional support in the form of supplements. A good vitamin/mineral and some cellular support with anti-oxidants and proper hydration and nutrition supplementation during exercise.

Does that athlete then decide to go one better and add drugs or are the people using drugs possibly lacking in all the other ingredients so that there is really a grey area of optimal balance. In other words a junk food eating doper vs. a ideal dieter with every known sport supplement as his PED's of choice?

Who's right and who is wrong?

[ahumblecycler]

And then what may not be sold as a steroid or an illegal enhancer is in fact considered to be that by some governing body ... case in point (fda.gov):

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Northborough, MA – January 15, 2010 – MuscleMaster.com, Inc. ("MuscleMaster.com") announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots and expiration dates of the seventeen below listed dietary supplements sold between June 1, 2009 and November 17, 2009 (hereinafter "Recalled Products").

FDA informed MuscleMaster.com that it believes that the Recalled Products contain ingredients that are steroids. Specifically, FDA advised MuscleMaster.com of its concern that the Recalled Products may contain the following ingredients that are currently classified, or the FDA believes should be classified, as steroids: "Superdrol," "Madol," "Tren," "Androstenedione," and/or "Turinabol." While MuscleMaster.com cannot independently confirm the FDA's concerns, that any one or more of the Recalled Products in fact contain these ingredients, MuscleMaster.com is undertaking this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution and in deference to FDA’s stated concerns.

Acute liver injury is known to be a possible harmful effect of using steroid-containing products. In addition, steroids may cause other serious long-term adverse health consequences in men, women, and children. These include shrinkage of the testes and male infertility, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in males, short stature in children, a higher predilection to misuse other drugs and alcohol, adverse effects on blood lipid levels, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

MuscleMaster.com is recalling the following products:

Advanced Muscle Science Dienedrone, 60 caps
Advanced Muscle Science Liquidrone, 60 ml
Anabolic Formulation M1, 4AD, 60 caps
Anabolic Formulations 1, 4 AD, 60 caps
Anabolic Xtreme Hyperdrol X2
Anabolic Xtreme 3-AD, 90 caps
BCS Labs Testra-Flex, 90 caps
Competitive Edge Labs M-Drol, 90 Caps
Competitive Edge Labs P-Plex, 90 caps
Competitive Edge Labs X-Tren, 90 caps
4Ever Fit D-Drol, 60 caps
Gaspari Novedex XT 60 Caps
Gaspari Halodrol Liquigels, 60 gels
iForce 1,4 AD BOLD 200, 60 Caps
iForce MethaDROL, 90 caps
iForce Dymethazine, 60 caps
Monster Caps, 60 caps

MuscleMaster.com has not received any complaints of illness or injury regarding these products. FDA is concerned the products may present a safety risk to consumers who ingest them. MuscleMaster.com is an internet retailer and did not manufacture or formulate these products. MuscleMaster.com’s decision to implement this recall is not, and should not be construed as, an admission that their decision to sell these products was in violation of the law. In addition it is not, and should not be construed as, an admission that these products are not in compliance with the law. This recall is solely a reflection of MuscleMaster.com’s deference to the FDA’s stated concerns with these products.

Customers who have these products in their possession should stop using them immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using one or more of the products.

Consumers should return any unused products purchased on the Company’s site to the Company. For instructions on how to return Recalled Products please call (1-800-240-4767) or e-mail (returns@musclemaster.com) the Company.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of the Recalled Products should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm1], by phone [1-800-FDA-1088], or by returning the postage paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm2] by mail [to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787] or fax [1-800-FDA- 0178].

[McQueen]

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=7954

[rockdude]

Where do you draw the line?

Who's right and who is wrong?

Their are only shades of grey. From a spectators point of view, let them dope, it more exciting. The one who trains the hardest and dopes the smartest will win. You see it happen all the time in other sports that have less doping controls then cycling.

[Blue Jays]

I eat well, consume vitamin & mineral supplements, plus a menu of Hammer Nutrition recovery beverages. This is all fair to my way of thinking.