Safety and Efficacy of "Andro" Supplementation in Sport

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Safety and Efficacy of "Andro" Supplementation in Sport

Boosted by prominent sports figures, the marketing of prohormones by supplement companies has reached an all-time high. Touted as "natural steroids," "fountains of youth" and "performance enhancers," these products are nonprescription supplements of prohormones that have been studied little in terms of safety and effectiveness.

"Andro," scientifically known as androstenedione or androstenediol, is an enzymatic reaction from conversion to testosterone. This review of the literature probes the issue of prohormone supplementation using androstenedione. Results are clinically relevant and presented as follows:

The literature does not support the claim that androstenedione or andro-stenediol can elevate testosterone levels, particularly at lower dosages.
A large quantity of research has found no performance enhancement benefits when taking recommended doses of the substance.
There are numerous documented side-effects from taking andro, including increased levels of female hormones, decreased high-density lipoproteins, and increased adiposity.

Based upon the literature, the authors conclude, "Given what seems to be an unfavorable, if not unacceptable risk-to-benefit ratio, we consider androstenedione/-diol supplement to be a waste of financial resources and potentially harmful."
Bradley-Popovich GE, Mohr CR. Androstenedione and androstenediol in sport: a brief review of safety and efficacy. Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 2001:15(1), pp20-25.