"Andro" supplements contain androstenediol and androstenedione,
the building blocks for the male hormone testosterone. Proponents
of andro claim that it increases testosterone production,
fueling corresponding increases in muscle
growth and mass.
Although andro is classified as a dietary
supplement and is readily available on line and in many
nutrition stores across the country, the Olympic Committee,
the NCCA, the NFL, and the ATP have all banned the controversial
substance.
You may remember the furor surrounding baseball
slugger Mark McGuire�s use of andro back in 1998. Critics
wondered if the supplement gave him an unfair boost in his
quest to beat Roger Maris� "unbeatable" home run record.
Doubtful, say the authors of a literature review published
in the Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation.
According to the authors:
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The literature does not support the claim
that androstenedione or androstenediol can elevate testosterone
levels, particularly at lower dosages.
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A large quantity of research has found
no performance enhancement benefits when taking recommended
dosages of the substance.
-
Numerous side-effects have been attributed
to andro supplementation, including increased levels of
female hormones (estrogen); decreased high-density lipoproteins
(the �good� cholesterol); and adiposity (increased fat
retention).
Reference:
Bradley-Popovich GE, Mohr CR. Androstenedione and adrostenediol
in sport: a brief review of safety and efficacy. Journal
of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 2001: Vol. 15,
No. 1, pp20-25.
For information on natural supplementation, visit https://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/nutrients.html.
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