What is a Nutraceutical?

Introduction Nutraceutical is a marketing term used to imply a pharmaceutical effect from a compound or food product that has not been scientifically confirmed or approved to have clinical benefits. In the United States, nutraceuticals are considered and regulated as a subset of foods (such as dietary supplements) by the US Food and Drug Administration… Read More

An Overview of Bodybuilding Supplements

Introduction Bodybuilding supplements are dietary supplements commonly used by those involved in bodybuilding, weightlifting, mixed martial arts, and athletics for the purpose of facilitating an increase in lean body mass. Bodybuilding supplements may contain ingredients that are advertised to increase a person’s muscle, body weight, athletic performance, and decrease a person’s percent body fat for… Read More

An Overview of Dietary Supplements

Introduction A dietary supplement (also see nutraceutical) is a manufactured product intended to supplement a person’s diet by taking a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. A supplement can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources, or that are synthetic (in order to increase the quantity of their consumption). The classes of nutrient compounds in… Read More

An Overview of Human Growth Hormone Controversies

Introduction Controversies regarding the use of human growth hormone (HGH) as treatment method have centred on the claims, products, and businesses related to the use of GH as an anti-ageing therapy. Most of these controversies fall into two categories: Brief History A study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) by Rudman… Read More

An Overview of Performance-Enhancing Substances

Introduction Performance-enhancing substances (PESs), also known as performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), are substances that are used to improve any form of activity performance in humans. Many substances, such as anabolic steroids, can be used to improve athletic performance and build muscle, which in most cases is considered cheating by organised athletic organisations. This usage is often… Read More

What is the Biogenesis Scandal?

Introduction The Biogenesis scandal broke in 2013 when several Major League Baseball (MLB) players were accused of obtaining performance-enhancing drugs (“PEDs”), specifically human growth hormone, from the now-defunct rejuvenation clinic Biogenesis of America. After an ex-employee, annoyed over missing back-pay, revealed clinic records that were “clear in describing the firm’s real business: selling performance-enhancing drugs”,… Read More

An Overview of Growth Hormone in Sports

Introduction Growth hormones in sports refers to the use of growth hormones (GH or HGH) for athletic enhancement, as opposed to growth hormone treatment for medical therapy. Human Growth Hormone is a prescription medication in the US, meaning that its distribution and use without a prescription is illegal. There is limited evidence that GH doping… Read More