LGC has over 180 years of scientific heritage and continues to research and develop ways to create a safer world. Here, you will find white papers, studies and other technical information related to supplement safety and testing created by LGC scientists and supporting authors. These documents show how important our INFORMED certification programs are and how they make a difference in the quality of the sports and nutritional supplements. Check back often as we continue to build this scientific library.
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
August 2024
This paper summarises 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 programme such as Informed Sport or Informed Choice. LGC retains its position as the market leader in this are due to a commitment to the continuous development of intelligence-led testing, combined with ongoing research and development activity.
Please complete the form below to access your copy of the August 2024 LGC Science White Paper:
The Detection of Phenethylamine and other Aromatic Amine Stimulants in UK Supplement Products
April 2024
This paper summarises the findings of a study undertaken at LGC to investigate the prevalence of substituted phenethylamines, the link between supplement label versus actual phenethylamine content and the concentrations within these supplements.
Phenethylamine is a naturally occurring amine which acts as a central nervous system stimulant. The chemical shares structural similarities with a range of other compounds, including substituted phenethylamines which contain additional structural groups (e.g. amphetamine).
Substituted phenethylamines are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes in competitive sport (Prohibited List 2024, S6B, Specified Stimulants, Phenethylamine and its derivatives5), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continually assesses botanical ingredients and other additives to products. Therefore, their inclusion within supplement products not only poses a risk to elite athletes subject to doping control, they also pose a risk to health.
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 programme such as Informed Sport or Informed Choice. LGC retains its position as the market leader in this are due to a commitment to the continuous development of intelligence-led testing, combined with ongoing research and development activity.
Please complete the form below to access your copy of the April 2024 LGC Science White Paper:
