Are steroid precursors such as androstenedione as harmful as anabolic steroids?
The hoopla surrounding androstenedione (also known as “andro”) is over. This supplement was popular in 1999-2000, but, on March 11, 2004, the FDA ordered an end to all sales of androstenedione and sent warning letters to 23 andro manufacturers to cease sales of this product. The marketing of androstenedione products is currently prohibited in the US. Athletes need to realize that androstenedione and other steroid precursors haven’t lived up to the hype that they can enhance performance. Further, many sports governing bodies have banned the use of steroid precursors and an athlete risks disqualification by using these supplements. FOR MORE INFORMATION Web sites that offer good information on anabolic steroids include: •www.SteroidAbuse.org is an initiative by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and several partners to try and educate the public regarding the dangers of anabolic steroids. •www.Fitness.gov, a site maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services, contains inform
