Androstenedione Essay -- essays research papers

Androstenedione-the truth comes out Androstenedione entered the national spotlight in the summer of 1998, when Baseball home run record-holder Mark McGwire told reporters that he used The supplement to improve his performance. Since McGwire's admission a Little more than 18 months ago, androstenedione use has increased 500% According to a recent press release by Barry McCaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Manufacturers claim that "Andro," as the supplement is commonly known, Boosts the body's natural testosterone levels and increases Muscle-building ability. Body-builders tout it as a natural alternative to Anabolic steroids. Nevertheless, questions remain about the efficacy and Safety of this widely available substance, which is currently unregulated By the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Androstenedione is a steroid hormone that is part of what is called the Production pathway for testosterone. Testosterone promotes muscle growth, But it also increases body hair, can cause acne, and enhances growth of The prostate gland. Some believe that higher levels may adversely affect Cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Manufacturers claim that Andro boosts testosterone levels, allowing Weightlifters to increase muscle mass without resorting to synthetic Steroid injections. Andro is touted as "natural" because it is normally Made in the adrenal glands and testes. Anabolic steroids are synthetic Derivatives of testosterone not found in the body. In theory, Andro Supplements are converted to natural testosterone in the body. Despite a lack of persuasive evidence that Andro can actually Boost muscle mass, the supplement has been heavily marketed And is widely used by athletes and body-builders. Despite a lack of persuasive evidence that Andro can actually boost muscle Mass, the supplement has been heavily marketed and is widely used by Athletes and body-builders. Nevertheless, according to a study by Douglas S. King, PhD, and colleagues At Iowa State University, androstenedione does not appear to help build Muscle or increase blood testosterone levels. Published in the June 2, 1999, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the Study compared testosterone levels in 20 young men who were on a moderate 8-week muscle-training regimen. Half of the subj... ...tes. Most of the subjects In King's study were relative newcomers to weight training, and such Inexperienced weight trainers generally make impressive gains in the early Phase of resistance training. Those gains could overshadow, statistically, Any potential benefit from androstenedione. As Yesalis notes in his editorial, "Future studies may need to focus on The effects of a higher dose of androstenedione administered over a period Longer than 8 weeks." Dr. Yesalis concludes with a call for government review of the supplement. "In the case of androstenedione," he writes, "the study by King et al Contributes to the evidence suggesting that the government should Carefully consider intervening and remove androstenedione and its Derivatives from the market." Meanwhile, in light of the potential health hazards and lack of evidence For androstenedione's muscle-building power, consumers should proceed with Caution and consult a physician before traveling this largely unmarked road. ANDROS-D (Andro) Ingredients: Each capsule contains Pure Micronzed Androstenedione - 100mg. Zinc - 15mg. Bioperine - 2.5mg. Suggested Use: Take 1-2 capsules daily.