Masters Swimming and Illegal Supplements

Originally posted by gull80 The USADA is very clear regarding the use of supplements: www.usantidoping.org/.../athlete advisory-approved or verified supplements.pdf Unfortunately, the policy doesn't address what happens if an athlete ingests trace amounts of a banned substance by eating food (rather than supplements). Bob

Originally posted by gull80 Keep in mind, however, that use of a controlled substance (anabolic steroids) without a prescription is illegal. Is Androstendione illegal? I really do not know. Geek: I would NOT pump that stuff in my body at this time, but I suspect that my (unborn) children will. And that is my point. How much science is too much science? I should have asked that in the fist place! I kind of think the fast skin suit is too much science, accept one can simply shave and get similiar or better results. So I choose to use one out of the sake of convenience.

Originally posted by Bob McAdams Unfortunately, the policy doesn't address what happens if an athlete ingests trace amounts of a banned substance by eating food (rather than supplements). Right. That's like the patient we saw recently who explained his positive tox screen (for cocaine) on the fact that he was in a room with other people who were abusing the drug (but he of course was not).

Poppy seeds can give you a positive drug screen for opiates if the test is very sensitive. If there is a question a quantitative analysis can be run,but most routine drug screens are deliberately run not sensitive to avoid false positives. Also cocaine is not an opiate and there is NO cocaine in poppy seeds.

Here you go Bob, straight from an article in today's NYT on something called bitter orange: The F.D.A. does not require manufacturers of dietary supplements to prove that the products are safe and effective before they are sold. We can parse right versus expectation all day but the simple fact remains that these supplements are not drugs, not regulated and many times not safe. But, feel free to part with you hard earned dollars to take them.

Originally posted by LindsayNB Btw, I believe that the courts have already awarded the swimmer in question damages. You are correct, LindsayNB. He won $578,635 in a judgment against Ultimate Nutrition. And it was vitamins that were the culprit. See www.usatoday.com/.../2005-05-13-swimmer_x.htm As to the argument that Kicker should have known he was taking a risk when he swallowed the vitamins, he knows that now: He said he will return to competition without supplements. "You can't be sure what you're buying. To me it's not worth it," he said.

Originally posted by gull80 BTW, I once treated a woman who suffered significant postoperative bleeding related to her use of gingko, a commonly used supplement. You neglect to mention she had fantastic memory and concentration abilities.

Originally posted by lefty This argument only has merit if "safe" steroid use is possible. Or if you find cheating acceptable.

Lefty: To be honest I don't really understand your point. If you want to dope up on steroids, go right ahead and give yourself that advantage. I'm fine if folks put on a fast skin. It doesn't make you faster or swim better, it reduces drag. But, putting controlled substances in your body is a whole different story.

hmmm - now that's a toughy For USMS I'd say "who cares" if someone is using steroids. So, I guess I'd say it's probably not cheating by USMS rules, or lack of rules. I'm sure there are deeper thinkers than me on this topic who should weigh in. That excludes, by default, Cruise and the brothers Smith.