Citation

LaBotz M, Griesemer BA. Pediatrics 2016; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/peds.2016-1300

PMID

27354458

Abstract

Performance-enhancing substances (PESs) are used commonly by children and adolescents in attempts to improve athletic performance. More recent data reveal that these same substances often are used for appearance-related reasons as well. PESs include both legal over-the-counter dietary supplements and illicit pharmacologic agents. This report reviews the current epidemiology of PES use in the pediatric population, as well as information on those PESs in most common use. Concerns regarding use of legal PESs include high rates of product contamination, correlation with future use of anabolic androgenic steroids, and adverse effects on the focus and experience of youth sports participation. The physical maturation and endogenous hormone production that occur in adolescence are associated with large improvements in strength and athletic performance. For most young athletes, PES use does not produce significant gains over those seen with the onset of puberty and adherence to an appropriate nutrition and training program.

Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Language: en