Erogenic aids consist of substance, drugs, procedures and even devices that are intended to improve athletic performance. Some of these substances are naturally occurring, easily available and completely legal while others are manufactured, illegal, or banned by many sporting organizations. Many athletes, coaches, politicians and fans feel the use of certain substances is unethical in sports.
Determining which substances are regulated, however, is an area of constant debate. Many substances classified as supplements are widely marketed as “health aids” yet have limited research on their safety or effectiveness. Being classified as a supplement means the contents of the product and the claims on the label have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may not have any scientific basis.
In general, ergogenic or performance enhancing substances can be categorized into the following areas.
Sports Supplements - Vitamins - Minerals
- Sports Supplements and Athletic Performance
Athletes often look for alternative nutrition to perform at their best. But what are they and how to do work? - Protein Supplements
Protein is a necessary nutrient that everyone needs to function properly. Both athletes and sedentary individuals need to get adequate protein. - Glucosamine
Glucosamine has been used to treat osteoarthritis and helps stimulates cartilage. But does it help athletic performance? - Ribose
There is clear evidence that shows an athletic performance benefit from ribose supplements. - Creatine
For some athletes, creatine supplementation improves repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting, weight lifting or power sports. - Glutamine
Glutamine (L- Glutamine) is a classified as a nutritional supplement and is not regulated or banned by most sports organization. - B-Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for the body to function properly, but there may be a link between the B-vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, B-12 and folate) and performance in high-level athletes. - How to Evaluate Supplement Health Claims
It's difficult to wade through the research regarding health or performance benefits of many nutritional supplements. These tips will help you make an informed decision about what actually works.
Banned or Regulated Ergogenic Aids
- Ephedrine
Ephedrine is classified as a supplement, and is freely available, but is on the banned list of many sports organizations. Research hasn’t found any improvement in strength, endurance, reaction time, anaerobic capacity, or recovery time with ephedrine supplements, but there are serious side effects athletes should be wary of. - Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that has been used by endurance athletes for years as a way to stay alert and improve endurance. While generally not harmful, it does have side effects, and is banned (in high doses) by many sports organizations. - Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids), are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. Non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most major sports organizations. Still, some athletes continue to use them illegally in an attempt to improve sports performance, despite evidence that using them this way can cause many serious health problems.The manufactured version of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) as well as the designer steroids, Androstenedione (Andro) and Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) are all precursors to hormones, such as testosterone, and work in a similar manner to anabolic-androgenic steroids. These are all banned substances by nearly all sports organizations.
- Amphetamines
Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulant drugs that increase alertness and self confidence, improve concentration, decrease appetite and create a feeling of increased energy. Amphetamines such as Benzedrine, Adderall, and Dexedrine have a high potential for addiction and are on the banned substance list of most, if not all, sports organizations.Source
Trends in prescription drug abuse, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIH Publication Number 05-4881 Printed July 2001, Revised August 2005
