Ergogenic Aids

1. Ergogenic Aids

2. EPO – Erythropoietin • a peptide which is a natural hormone secreted by the kidney that stimulates the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production. can be artificially produced to improve performances in athletes or cyclists or long distance runners. • It was banned in the 1990’s

3. Benefits • Helps increase endurance by increasing the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin which improves the transport of oxygen in muscles. Used for increasing aerobic energy system. • Build and mends muscles.

4. Harmful effects • It will thicken the blood and can stop the heart when body is resting. • It increases the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. • Can lead to autoimmune disease (attacks its own cells as pathogens mistake them for invading bacteria).

5. Human Growth Hormone (hGH) • A natural hormone produced in the body. It stimulates the live and other tissues to secrete insulin and stimulate production of cartilage cells which is bone growth, muscle and organ growth. • Used for explosive power events such as weight lifting, sprinting and rugby

6. Benefit • Causes an increase in muscle mass which increases muscle strength • Decrease in fat • Beneficial when age increases and less hGH is produced (decrease in endurance and muscle repair). This helps the body in powerful events.

7. Harmful effects • Diabetes developed • Risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension • Abnormal growth of organs • Glucose intolerance • High blood pressure

8. Beta blockers • Beta blockers are a group of hormones used to lower your metabolic rate. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure and as a result help to reduce trembling before and during the performance • Beta blockers are usually taken by those who perform in precision sports such as archery, shooting and golf. They improve the accuracy through steadying the nerves.

9. Benefits of Beta blockers • They lower blood pressure of those who have high blood pressure. • They reduce the risk of a recurring heart attack. • It increases the ability to focus as it reduces anxiety

10. The side effects of beta blockers • They can result to tiredness due to lowering blood pressure and therefore a slower heart rate • They cause frequent dizziness which as a result leads to blurred vision • Diarrhoea and nausea • Beta blockers can also lead to depression

11. Anabolic Steroids • Many Olympic sprinters and weightlifters will tend to take this in the hope of increasing their performance. • Anabolic steroids is a hormone that is artificially produced that promotes muscle growth.

12. Potential Benefits • It allows for athletes to train harder and recover quicker. • It mainly benefits athletes who take part in power events such as weightlifting and sprint events. Although swimmers can also benefit.

13. Harmful Effects • When taking anabolic steroids there are many side effects: • ‘Roid Rage’ or increased aggression. • Females develop male features • It can also cause damage to vital organs such as heart and liver. • Testicles decrease in size, sperm count is reduced and breast development may also occur.