Asthma Medications
Banned without governing body preregistration. These medications open the airways of those with reversible
airways obstruction. Proponents believe they may help nonasthmatics as well. Side effects are like those of caffeine: for example, jitteriness, palpitations, and anxiety.
Formoterol
has been shown to have no effect on cycling
performance in nonasthmatics.
Salbutamol:
In one study, this common asthma medicine helped
one-hour time trial performance whethe
r cyclists were asthmatic or
not. It did not increase erythropoietin levels or red cell production.
Avoid without medical need.
Bee Pollen
Not banned. No evidence of ergogenic effect. Not recommended.
Beta-Carotene
Not banned. Little evidence of ergogenic effect. Not recommended.
Beta-Ecdysterone
Banned by some sports organizations A herbal extract, touted for
anabolic effects.
Studies of effectiveness and toxicity are lacking. Avoid.
Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methybutyrate (HMB)
Not banned. See HMB. Avoid.
Bicarbonate
Not banned. Sodium bicarbonate is thought by some to buffer lactic acid,
thereby improving performance.
Studies are mixed, mostly negative. Its greatest potential may be
in anaerobic events. Diarrhea is a common problem.
Not recommended.
Blood Doping and Erythropoetin (EPO)
Banned. Blood doping is blood transfusion. EPO is a prescription drug. EPO is a hormone that stimulates the body to make more red
blood cells. The purpose is to boost the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
EPO is commonly used in medicine when patients have
hematocrits around 25%. It is used to boost hematocrits to about 35%. Athletes use EPO to boost levels to 50% and more.
Blood doping and EPO work. Testing and detection is becoming
easier.
An increase in blood thickness is a problem, especially in
athletes who self-medicate and overdo it. EPO has been linked to several cycling deaths and is too dangerous to use.
Avoid.
Nutrition for Sports, Essentials of 113
