A call for public policy and research to reduce use of appearance and performance enhancing drugs and substances among adolescents

Abstract

Among adolescents, the use of appearance and performance enhancing drugs and substances (APEDS) is a serious concern. APEDS are primarily used to increase muscle mass, leanness, and athletic performance, and might include over-the-counter muscle-enhancing substances, such as creatine, protein powders, and androstenedione, and illicit drugs, such as anabolic-androgenic steroids. Although legislation in some US states has aimed to regulate dietary supplements, 1 Starr R Should states and local governments regulate dietary supplements?. Drug Test Anal. 2016; 8: 402-406 Crossref PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar a bill under consideration in the current session of the Massachusetts state legislature (USA) would become the first to protect adolescents from the potentially harmful effects of APEDS. Bill H.1942, An act protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements2 The Commonwealth of MassachusettsBill H. 1942, An act protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1942Date: 2019 Date accessed: October 18, 2019 Google Scholar restricts the sale of supplements targeting weight loss or muscle building to adults aged 18 and older, requires retailers of these supplements to store them in a locked display or behind the counter, and to display signage that outlines the known risks of these supplements. We support the Massachusetts legislation to regulate the use of these products among adolescents and address the need for more research on health outcomes of legal APEDS (ie, creatine, amino acids, and protein powders).