Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Ergogenic aids

An ergogenic aid is defined as any substance, food, chemical, or training method that helps the body work harder and perform better. Athletes strive for the leading edge and many of them use ergogenic aids to improve their energy and performance.

Safe ergogenic aids include:

• carbohydrate loading
• proper nutrition
• electrolyte solutions to replace lost fluids
• ritual preparations, such as prayer, chanting, or meditation
• visualization and
• stress management

Some ergogenic aids can have harmful side effects. They are banned by sports governing bodies because they are unsafe and unethical.

The most abused aids include the following:

• Anabolic steroids that are used to increase muscle mass and strength. The term "anabolic" means tissue building. Many side effects occur from abusing these steroids. Heart, liver, and immune system problems can develop. Men's testicles shrink, the prostate gland enlarges, and sperm levels drop. Behavior changes may include aggression, paranoia, mood swings, low sex drive, and depression.
• Blood doping is another ergogenic aid that is dangerous. Giving blood or blood products to an athlete to improve endurance and speed can have harmful side effects, such as strokes, allergic reactions, and infections.
• Human growth hormone is a widely abused ergogenic aid by body builders. Some body builders take large doses to decrease fat and increase muscle mass. The side effects are heart and nerve diseases, glucose intolerance, and higher levels of blood fats.
• Caffeine affects the central nervous system by increasing mental alertness and reducing fatigue. If over-used, it can cause irritability, restlessness, diarrhea, insomnia, and anxiety. It is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks.

If you want to improve your sports performance, use only ergogenic aids that are legal, healthy, and have been proven safe. To gain a more competitive edge, nothing works better than proper training, proper rest, good nutrition, correct technique, and good coaching.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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