Sunil Sheoran, a Clinical Researcher, Educator, and Bodybuilding Expert, brings over a decade's worth of experience to the table. With his wealth of knowledge, he delves into intriguing and hotly debated topics in the world of bodybuilding, offering unique insights to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
SUNIL
SHEORAN'S (M.Pharm, PGDIPR)
SENSATIONAL SARMS -
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have gained significant popularity within the fitness industry, as individuals seek to gain a competitive advantage or enhance their body composition. In response to the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic limitations of AAS, the development of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) has emerged as an alternative.
SARMs, depending on their unique chemical structures, exert varying degrees of influence on androgen receptors, functioning as full agonists, partial agonists, or antagonists. Their substantial anabolic properties have led to misuse in the realm of sports, prompting their inclusion on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Prohibited List in 2008. Moreover, recreational users are procuring these compounds from clandestine sources, often consuming doses several times higher than empirically reported safe levels.
In light of this concerning trend, it becomes imperative to conduct a thorough examination of the existing literature surrounding these research compounds. This effort is essential to gain a deeper understanding of their efficacy and their potential role as a safer alternative to traditional AAS. Notably, a more comprehensive
review by Machek et al. in 2023 delves into the potential mechanisms underlying the harmful effects of SARMs, offering valuable insights.
It is crucial to recognize that none of the SARMs commonly used in bodybuilding have completed the rigorous drug development phases required for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consequently, there exists a paucity of data to assess the long-term risk profile associated with these substances.
WARNING BY FDA ON SARMS
“We are extremely concerned about unscrupulous companies marketing body-building products with potentially dangerous ingredients. Body-building products that contain selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs, have not been approved by the FDA and are associated with serious safety concerns, including potential to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke and life threatening reactions like liver damage,” said Donald D. Ashley, J.D., director of the Office of compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “We will continue to take action against companies marketing these products to protect the public health.”
In certain academic journals, first-generation SARMS have been suggested to carry a relatively lower risk profile. However, it’s important to note that the available information regarding their tissue selectivity remains quite limited.
The time has come for athletes and fitness professionals to take a firm stance against the use of SARMs as a performance-enhancing tool. They should actively engage in conversations about the potential risks associated with SARM supplementation.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) provides ample resources on its website to educate athletes about proper supplement guidelines. The “Supplement Connect” program, in particular, offers a valuable resource in the form of a high-risk list, which highlights examples of supplements that pose a potential anti-doping risk.
Athletes should exercise caution and be mindful that companies producing dietary supplements for enhancing sports performance may prioritize market competitiveness over safety. Therefore, it is advisable to procure health supplements from brands with a proven track record of transparency and reliability.
