Pre-Olympics sport supplement crack-down
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016
Dozens of sports supplements sold in the UK contain unauthorised medicines - although the numbers may be reducing, regulators announced today.
A
pre-Olympics crackdown on illegal supplements suggests the number on sale
may have halved since the 2012 games in London, according to the Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The investigation found 16 companies selling some 69 unauthorised medicines between them. Some 33 businesses took part in investigation.
Four years ago the MHRA found 128 unauthorised medicines sold by 36 businesses.
Investigators found substances such as ephedrine, yohimbine and synephrine in supplements.
They also found DMAA or methylhexanamine.
Dr Chris Jones, from the MHRA, said: “During this period we anticipate that the public’s interest in sports and body building supplements is likely to rise, and with it, the potential for more unlawful products. We have decided to dedicate additional time and resources to this market area, to help both companies and the buying public.
“While sports supplements are regulated as foods we have worked with industry to review the market and have investigated the sale of targeted unauthorised medicines being marketed as sports supplements.
“The results of our second review into the sports supplement industry shows there are some signs of improvement - and more companies are acting on the MHRA’s concerns."
Nicole Sapstead, who heads UK Anti-Doping, added: "As the supplement industry grows, we continue to work with sports, athletes and their support personnel to raise awareness of the risks associated with supplement use in our efforts to protect clean sport.
“We continue to be concerned about the number of supplement products being produced that contain ingredients not suitable for, or under the regulation of, the food industry.
"Equally, we also recognise the risks associated with contamination, counterfeit supplement products available to purchase online and the challenges with ingredients being listed by a variety of names. In the worst cases, these products can be extremely harmful to health."
Tags: Alternative Therapy | Fitness | Pharmaceuticals | UK News
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