Supplements can lead to positive tests

ATHLETES take supplements stand a one in five chance of testing positive for a banned substance and it is unlikely that the supplement will be of any use at all, the chairman of the Irish Sports Council’s anti-doping committee warned yesterday.

Dr. Conor O’Brien was speaking as the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue, signed the Copenhagen Declaration Against Doping in Sport with a warning that Ireland intends to play its full part in the global fight against doping in sport.

And Dr. O’Brien’s advice on supplements was quite simple: Don’t take them. If you feel unwell or feel you need a tonic go to your doctor and he or she will prescribe something that is safe, efficient and will not result in a positive test.