Essentials of Nutrition for Sports

Side Effects

For those with medical conditions associated with low levels of

steroids, hormone replacement is relatively safe. Many athletes use doses far beyond the normal range of human production. These are the athletes who tend to suffer serious side effects.

The side effects include aggression, fluid retention, acne, liver

abnormalities, development of ma

le sex characteristics (deeper

voice, more hair, breast atrophy) in women, and shrinking testicles in men.

Even in modest doses, anabolic

steroids use is associated with

adverse lipid effects. The effects may disappear when use stops. The long-term effects are uncertain.

Some steroids increase not only androgen (“male”) but also

estrogen (“female”) hormone levels.

Steroids are illegal and the risks are great if an athlete using them

is caught. They can be obtained only with a prescription or on the black market.

Avoid.

Androstenedione

Banned. See anabolic steroids. Avoid.

Antidepressants

Not banned. Prescription drugs (for example Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft,

amitryptyline, desiprimine, imiprimine).

Antidepressants may improve athletic performance by reducing

negative hormonal consequences of

overtraining. There are sound

physiologic reasons why they may work.

They are very helpful in depression, and since overtraining and

depression are linked, they can be helpful to some athletes.

Some believe these medicines may help performance even in the

absence of depression. A few studies have suggested that these prescription medicines enhance athletic performance; others show no improvement. One study found worsened performance.

Depending upon the specific medication, common side effects

include jitteriness, insomnia, sleepiness, and sexual dysfunction (delayed orgasm).

Avoid without medical need.

Anti-inflammatories—NSAIDs

Not banned. May be prescription. See NSAIDs. Consider.

Antioxidants

Not banned. No evidence of ergogenic effect. See the discussion on page

25

.

Not recommended.

Aspirin

Not banned. See NSAIDs. Consider.

Arginine

Not banned See discussion under protein, athletic considerations, on page

63

. Not recommended.^

Nutrition for Sports, Essentials of 112