The Safety and Efficacy of Creatine, Ephedra, and Anabolic-Steroid Precursors

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) have been used by athletes for decades to increase lean body mass, strength, and overall athletic performance. The legal issues and dangers associated with AASs, however, have resulted in a reluctance to use them by many athletes and a search for a more natural method for improving performance. This has led to an increase in the popularity of nutritional supplements marketed as ergogenic aids. Because they are considered natural and are available without a prescription, there is a misconception that these supplements are all healthy and safe, which is not always true. Although there are numerous supplements currently marketed as ergogenic aids, the more popular ones are those containing creatine, ephedra, and AAS precursors.