As controversies continue to surround the use of steroids in enhancing athletic and physical capability, various alternatives have been developed. A wide range of supplements can easily be found in most fitness stores. Though most of the supplements don't have verified therapeutic claims, they're viewed as safe, effective alternatives to conventional steroids.
What Are Steroids?
These are substances that resemble hormones produced naturally by the human body to promote growth and development. Anabolic steroids are similar to androgens (the male sex hormones produced by the body) and are available in over 100 variations. Testosterone is the most powerful androgen that helps develop both muscles and masculine traits like growth of body hair. This hormone is also known to influence aggression. Anabolic steroids are at times used by athletes in order to enhance their physical capability.
Supplements
Supplements are products containing certain nutrients that fill in the body's nutritional needs that aren't met by food. Like steroids, they can enhance muscle growth while increasing endurance and strength. Most supplements contain natural ingredients that are proven effective yet safe.
Because supplements are considered as dietary products, they aren't tightly regulated. Still, they need to follow laid-down policies on manufacturing and packaging to ensure safety. Those found to have flouted these regulations are usually taken off the market.
Critics of steroids for sale supplements usually point out cases where standards weren't followed during their manufacture. They also point towards instances where there's little regulation. Both of these could imply that supplements could fail to disclose all their respective ingredients, or fail to specify the proper amounts.
There are also some medications that are used to enhance performance but aren't considered supplements. Though such products are usually approved by medical authorities, abuse would expose the user to a host of serious side effects. For instance, use of the human growth hormone has been linked to diabetes as well as growth and heart problems.
Contrary to steroids, most supplements don't carry many long-term physiological and mental effects. This is why steroids are banned in most countries, though they're still used for medical purposes under prescription. As mentioned, it's quite easy to purchase supplements over the counter or from a web-based retailer.
Although supplements are deemed safer as compared to steroids, one needs to ensure that the product is certified by recognized regulatory bodies. Additionally, athletes who take part in competitive sports should ensure that they meet the criteria laid down by their governing bodies. This is because a good number of supplements are known to contain banned or harmful ingredients.
