WADA list of banned supplement substances comes into force

The list, one of six international standards made mandatory for all Signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) was first published in September last year in what is now an annual event, although changes can be made to the list throughout the year.

Changes for 2019 include the addition of Epiandrosterone as an example of a steroid that can be found in some dietary supplements.

Other changes aim to simplify the identification of steroid metabolites, which the body does not naturally produce with the list only including those known to be found in supplements or used as masking agents.

Substances by a different name​

Further examples of substances that are already prohibited have been added, which can be found in some supplements.

These include 4-methylpentan-2-amine, which has been included as another name for DMBA, a banned stimulant shown to raise blood pressure.

The supplement industry has since used DMBA, also listed by alternate names (like AMP Citrate), as a replacement for Dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

Other banned substances added to the list include 5-methylhexan-2-amine (1,4-dimethylpentylamine) and 3-methylhexan-2-amine (1,2-dimethylpentylamine), which are closely related to the banned stimulant or energy-boosting ingredient methylhexaneamine.

While most of the changes relate to supplements and their ingredients, the UK’s Anti-Doping Agency maintains that athletes should take a food-first approach to nutrition where possible, as no guarantees can ever be made that a supplement is free from banned substances.

A summary of the major modifications and explanatory notes can be viewed here​​ with the full 2019 Prohibited List available here.​​