Why is EPO also used by athletes?
EPO increases the amount of red blood cells, hence augmenting the oxygen transport inside the body. ‘Endurance athletes’, like long-distance runners and cyclists, may benefit from this effect. Their physical condition improves, they recuperate more rapidly from their efforts and they experience far less muscle stiffness. Nevertheless, inappropriate use of EPO is extremely dangerous and can even be lethal because of the ‘thickening’ of the blood.
