A few weeks ago, the triathlon world was rocked by the news that Tomas Hernandez Rodriguez was provisionally suspended for doping. Rodriguez’s sample collected during anti-doping control after his win at Ironman Texas returned positive for clomiphene, a hormone banned in competition.
Rodriguez responded to this provisional suspension, saying he tested positive for the hormone because he eats a large amount of eggs and chicken, some of which was contaminated with the hormone.
Naturally, his claim raises a lot of questions about competing clean and whether it’s possible to consume so much of a food that you can test positive for a banned substance.
Let’s explore some of the things every athlete should know about anti-doping and competing clean.
In-Competition vs. Out-of-Competition Regulation
Most amateur athletes should only expect to be subjected to in-competition testing. Still, every athlete should strive to comply with all anti-doping requirements.
In-competition testing refers to drug testing that occurs during, immediately before, or after a competition. The exact definition of "in-competition" can vary depending on the sport and governing body, but it generally covers the period starting from 12 hours before a competition to a certain time afterward, typically up to the conclusion of the event or after the awards ceremony.
During this time frame, athletes are subject to testing for a broader range of substances. Some medications and substances may be permitted “out of competition” but are banned within a certain period before, during, and after competition due to their potential to enhance performance.
Out-of-competition testing refers to drug testing that occurs at any time outside of the in-competition period. This can include testing during training sessions, off-seasons, or even at an athlete's home or training camp.
The primary purpose of out-of-competition testing is to deter the use of banned substances that could provide long-term performance enhancements, even if they don’t directly impact performance on the day of competition.
The Risks of Contamination and Mislabeling
One of the primary challenges athletes face is the risk of contamination or mislabeling in foods and supplements.
Unlike medications, many dietary supplements are not tightly regulated, meaning that the ingredients listed on the label might not accurately reflect everything inside the product. This can lead to unintentional ingestion of substances that are on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
Common Foods That Could Contain Banned Substances
Poppy Seeds:
Risk: Poppy seeds naturally contain small amounts of opiates, such as morphine and codeine. While the levels are usually very low, consuming large quantities of poppy seeds could result in a positive drug test.
Caution: There’s no need to skip that poppy seed muffin. Avoid consuming large amounts of poppy seeds, especially immediately before competitions. Some athletes choose to eliminate poppy seeds from their diet altogether as a precaution.
Meat Contamination:
Risk: In some regions and certain countries, meat may be contaminated with anabolic agents like clenbuterol, which is used to promote animal growth. WADA banned this substance due to its performance-enhancing effects.
Caution: When traveling, research the local food safety practices. In areas where meat contamination is a known issue, consider sourcing your protein from trusted, certified suppliers or opting for vegetarian options.
Herbal Teas and Natural Supplements:
Risk: Some herbal teas and natural supplements may contain ingredients that are on the WADA Prohibited List. For example, certain weight-loss teas might contain stimulants that are banned in competition.
Caution: Always check the ingredients of any herbal products you consume, and be wary of teas and supplements marketed for weight loss or energy boosts.
Energy Drinks and Sports Gels:
Risk: Some energy drinks and sports gels contain stimulants or other performance-enhancing substances that are banned. Ingredients like synephrine, often found in "fat-burning" products, can cause a positive drug test.
Caution: Stick to well-known, reputable brands. If in doubt, consult a certified sports nutritionist who can advise which brands and products are trustworthy for athletes.
Supplements: High Risk for Contamination
Dietary supplements can be particularly risky for athletes due to the lack of strict regulations in many countries. Contamination with banned substances can occur during manufacturing, and some companies may even intentionally add performance-enhancing drugs to their products to make them more effective.
Here’s how to navigate the world of supplements safely:
Use Certified Products: Look for supplements that have been independently tested and certified by third-party organizations like NSF International or Informed-Sport. These certifications indicate that the product has been tested for banned substances and is safer for athletes to use.
Research Every Ingredient: Before taking any supplement, research each ingredient to ensure it’s not on the WADA Prohibited List. Some substances may have different names, so thorough research is crucial.
Limit Supplement Use: Try to meet your nutritional needs through whole foods rather than supplements whenever possible. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can often provide all the nutrients you need for optimal performance.
Avoid High-Risk Supplements: Certain types of supplements, including weight-loss products, pre-workout boosters, and muscle-building supplements, are more likely to be contaminated with banned substances. Be especially cautious with these and consider avoiding them altogether unless they are certified by a trusted organization.
Practical Tips to Avoid Accidental Doping
Even though most amateur athletes only need to be concerned about in-competition testing, it’s good practice to always be mindful.
Most amateur athletes probably don’t need to record the batch numbers for food they purchase at a trusted grocery store, but taking extra steps and precautions around supplements, medications, and high-risk foods is good advice.
Of course, it’s the responsibility of every athlete at every level to be informed of the regulations:
Stay Informed: Review the WADA Prohibited List regularly to stay current on any changes or additions. The list is updated annually, and substances that were previously allowed may become banned.
Keep Detailed Records: Keep a log of your foods, supplements, and medications. Record batch numbers for any supplements, medications, or high-risk foods you consume. This can be invaluable if you ever need to defend yourself against an unintentional doping violation.
Educate Yourself About the Sources: Be aware of where your food comes from, especially when traveling. Understanding the local food supply chain can help you avoid contaminated products.
By being vigilant about the foods and supplements you consume, you can significantly reduce the risk of an inadvertent doping violation. Stay informed, choose your products wisely, and always prioritize clean competition. Your commitment to competing clean not only upholds the integrity of your sport but also sets a positive example for others to follow.
Coach Gregg Edelstein is a certified USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, an IRONMAN University Certified Coach, and a USA Cycling Level 3 Coach based in the greater Boston area. Gregg offers his athletes insight on the principles of exercise, nutrition, sports psychology, and injury prevention, working to make them well-rounded and engaged athletes that share his passion for sport. Gregg can be reached at Gregg@TeamMPI.com
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