With growing mania for supplements among youngsters in their quest for perfect physique, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) Monday warned against their use as they pose serious health risks.
President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said that bodybuilding supplements contain dangerous ingredients such as steroids, stimulants and hormones that can cause serious health consequences and even death.
These prohibited substances are not always listed on the supplement ingredient label, he said.
“Unlike prescription medicines, supplements do not require to undergo safety testing before reaching store shelves,” Dr Nisar said adding “Teens and school-going children are particularly vulnerable and they get them in gyms and buy them with ease from stores and online.”
“Anabolic steroids” are given by gym owners to teenagers and they are particularly dangerous as they cause heart damage, impotence, infertility, liver damage and even trigger off cancer.
“Whey proteins” which has become increasingly popular among fitness buffs can cause liver and kidney failure and increase aggression.