LGC Publishes August 2024 White Paper on SARMS in UK Supplement Products

LGC Science recently published their August 2024 White Paper titled, "Analysis of Supplements Available To The UK Market To Determine The Risk of Inadvertently Ingesting Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators and / or Other Non-Approved Pharmaceutical Substances".

The August 2024 paper summarizes the findings of a study undertaken at LGC to investigate the prevalence of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) in supplements available to the UK market.

SARMs are a class of compound designed and studied as a potential alternative to traditional androgen receptor-based therapies such as anabolic steroids.

Despite no SARM receiving full clinical approval, SARM based supplements are readily available to the public via on-line stores. Regarding availability, the sale of SARMs in the UK is prohibited by the Food Standards Agency which categorizes these substances as unauthorized ‘novel foods’. Noting their availability and the fact they are often sold in capsule or tablet form; it stands to reason that these prohibited materials are likely being handled and produced in facilities that may also handle and produce everyday nutritional supplements. It is therefore likely the same manufacturing equipment is also being used which poses a significant contamination risk.

For athletes subject to doping control, this study demonstrates the importance of ensuring that the supplements they use have been subject to a rigorous testing program such as Informed Sport or Informed Choice. LGC retains its position as the market leader in this, and are due to a commitment to the continuous development of intelligence-led testing, combined with ongoing research and development activity.

For more information on LGC's White Papers, and to access the full version of this White Paper, visit our Technical Papers page.

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