Andro Gets Busted

HHS LAUNCHES CRACKDOWN ON PRODUCTS CONTAINING ANDRO
FDA Warns Manufacturers To Stop Distributing Such Products

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced a crackdown on companies that manufacture, market and distribute products containing androstenedione, or, "andro," which acts like a steroid once it is metabolized by the body and therefore can pose similar kinds of health risks as steroids. These products are generally advertised as dietary supplements that enhance athletic performance based on their claimed anabolic and androgenic properties to stimulate muscle growth and increase production of testosterone.

"Young people, athletes and other consumers should steer clear of andro because there are serious, substantial concern about its safety," Secretary Thompson said. " Young people should understand that there are no short cuts to a stronger body and that the best way to get faster and stronger is through good diet, nutrition and exercise. "

"Athletics benefit young people's health and give them a lesson in the value of hard work," said John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. "Androstenedione and other performance-enhancing drugs undercut these benefits by endangering our children's healthy development and teaching them that cheating is an acceptable component of pursuing excellence."

As part of the crackdown, HHS' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today sent warning letters to 23 companies asking them to cease distributing products sold as dietary supplements that contain androstenedione and warning them that they could face enforcement actions if they do not take appropriate actions.

"While andro products may seem to have short-term benefits, the science shows that these same properties create real and significant health risks," said FDA Commissioner Mark B. McClellan, Ph.D., M.D. "While the products are advertised to athletes, they have the potential to get into the hands of our impressionable youth who may believe these products will help their development. Anyone who takes these products in sufficient quantities to build muscle or improve performance is putting himself or herself at risk for serious long-term and potentially irreversible health consequences. There is no proven safe substitute for hard work and training when it comes to improving athletic skill; we will do all we can to protect Americans against companies that seek to profit by trying to convince consumers otherwise."

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