Pharmanex Creates a New Reference Tool to Help Elite Athletes and Trainers Identify Prohibited Substances Used in Some Dietary Supplements
Home
 Guide Examines Five Most Prevalent 'Banned' Ingredients Found in Sports Supplements and Over-the-Counter Products Available to Athletes

January 2002 (Newstream) -- Pharmanex has announced the availability of a guide to help clarify issues surrounding appropriate dietary supplementation and unintentional doping in sports. This guide is especially timely, as athletes finish preparations for imminent world-level competition.

The brochure, titled "Athletes' Guide to Safe Supplementation," was not designed to be an exhaustive examination of all ingredients banned within the international sports community. Instead, the piece examines five classes of prohibited ingredients commonly found in dietary sports supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) products. By educating athletes about the issue of banned substances, Pharmanex hopes to reduce the risk of athletes using dietary supplements that could trigger a positive doping test. The guide is available at no charge to athletic organizations and media by calling (801) 345-2044.

Through its affiliation with elite sports organizations, and as a provider of dietary supplements, Pharmanex is keenly aware of the confusion surrounding the issue of appropriate dietary supplementation and unintentional doping. Pharmanex has a strict policy of not using any ingredients prohibited in international athletic competition. Pharmanex has also tested all of its products at independent labs to ensure no banned substances were inadvertently introduced during the manufacturing process. However, Pharmanex recognizes that athletes may need more information about products that do contain these substances. Much of the confusion relates to ingredients in supplements and OTC products that are legal for sale in the United States, but are prohibited for use by athletes involved in world-class competition.

"By concentrating on the ingredients that athletes commonly come in contact with, we felt our brochure would help shed additional light on a confusing subject," said Joe Chang, Ph.D., president of Pharmanex. "We know that athletes sometimes unknowingly use products that could cause a positive doping test, but they may also be shying away from effective dietary supplements that are free of banned substances. Clear guidance on this issue is hard to find-this guide is a first step in providing the information necessary to make informed decisions," concluded Chang.

The brochure examines five popular ingredients prohibited in international competition: DHEA, androstenedione, ephedrine, caffeine and synephrine. Classified as stimulants and anabolic agents, these ingredients are prevalent in products that help manage weight, relieve common cold symptoms, boost energy/reduce fatigue and increase muscle strength.

The brochure identifies the ingredients' scientific names, notes whether they constitute a health risk and/or provide an unfair competitive advantage, and gives a sampling of products currently on the market that contain these prohibited substances. The guide also describes why, though available for sale legally, these ingredients are banned for use by athletes engaged in world-level competition. It also focuses on common questions asked about dietary supplements, in an effort to dispel popular myths and provide critical education.

"It is great that Pharmanex is taking extra steps to insure the quality of their products," said Alan Ashley, Athletic Director of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association. "There is a lot of controversy about the contents of dietary supplements and the lack of regulations. In this case, however, Pharmanex has not only taken the extra steps needed to identify the components of its products, but has also attempted to provide educational assistance to athletes."

Pharmanex, a Nu Skin Enterprises' company (NYSE: NUS), is a leader in research and development of phyto-pharmaceutical and nutritional products. The company has a portfolio of multivitamin/mineral supplements, natural health products, standardized botanicals and specialized health systems. Based in Provo, Utah, Pharmanex products are sold direct to the consumer through the Internet and a network of independent representatives. For additional information, call (800) 487-1000 or visit the company's Web site at www.pharmanex.com.

Powered By Traffic Booster Absolute News Manager Plug-in by Xigla Software

This article has been moved here