Supplement off limits

Airman, March, 2005 by C. Todd Lopez

WASHINGTON -- Airmen who take androstenedione to increase muscle mass now have to ditch the supplement and just do extra reps at the gym.

A new law classifies androstenedione as a schedule III controlled substance. which is defined by the government as having a potential for abuse. The drug, commonly called "andro," is used to help build mass, said Col. (Dr.) Vincent F. Carr, the Air Force's chief consultant for internal medicine services.

According to Dr. Carr, once ingested, androstenedione is converted to testosterone. For the drug to create muscle mass, a user must take it in an amount that also causes side effects that are damaging to a person's health.

"If you take large amounts of androstenedione over a long period of time, you have the potential to develop liver disease, liver failure, heart disease, kidney, disease and an acceleration of hardening of the arteries," Dr. Carr said. "For ladies, it may block some of the female hormones, so they may experience symptoms such as male pattern baldness."

Because androstenedione creates artificial levels of testosterone in the body, natural production of the hormone may be reduced. According to Dr. Carr, this may cause men to experience a decrease in testical size and reduced sperm count, and women may see a reduction in breast size

The drug may also have psychological effects, including aggressive behavior that could affect the work environment.

Use possession or distribution of androstenedione will be a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez

Air Force Print News