Supplements, Steroid Precursors and Adolescent Health

DHEA, which is banned by the National Football League and Major League Baseball, is the only one that remains unregulated by the Federal Government and still available in stores. Even though most dietary supplements with steroid precursors are no longer available over the counter, they can be obtained illegally. Because these products are not regulated, they can be contaminated, fake, or labeled incorrectly. Sometimes, steroid precursors or other dangerous ingredients in supplements sold in stores are not listed in the packaging. In a 2003 report, nearly one in five supplements analyzed by the International Olympic Committee contained anabolic steroids or precursors that were not listed on the manufacturer’s label.