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Nandrolone Decanoate: Prohibited Drug in Sports Events
Sports events are a platform for athletes to showcase their physical abilities and compete against each other. However, in recent years, the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has become a major concern in the world of sports. These drugs not only give athletes an unfair advantage but also pose serious health risks. One such PED that has been banned in sports is Nandrolone Decanoate.
What is Nandrolone Decanoate?
Nandrolone Decanoate, also known as Deca Durabolin, is an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) that was first introduced in the 1960s. It is a synthetic form of the male hormone testosterone and is used to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It is available in injectable form and has a long half-life of approximately 15 days (Schänzer et al. 2004).
Initially, Nandrolone Decanoate was used for medical purposes such as treating muscle-wasting diseases and osteoporosis. However, its use in sports has been banned by major sporting organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to its performance-enhancing effects.
How does it work?
Nandrolone Decanoate works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which then stimulates protein synthesis and increases the production of red blood cells. This leads to an increase in muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It also has a high anabolic to androgenic ratio, meaning it has a greater effect on muscle growth compared to its androgenic effects (Kicman 2008).
Moreover, Nandrolone Decanoate has a long-lasting effect on the body due to its ester, decanoate, which slows down its release into the bloodstream. This allows athletes to use it less frequently, making it harder to detect in drug tests (Schänzer et al. 2004).
Why is it prohibited in sports?
Nandrolone Decanoate is prohibited in sports because of its performance-enhancing effects. It gives athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors, which goes against the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. It also poses serious health risks to athletes, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances (Kicman 2008).
In addition, Nandrolone Decanoate is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical and psychological dependence (DEA 2021).
Real-world examples
There have been numerous cases of athletes being caught using Nandrolone Decanoate in sports events. One notable example is the case of American sprinter Marion Jones, who was stripped of her five Olympic medals and sentenced to six months in prison for using Nandrolone Decanoate and other PEDs (BBC 2007).
In another case, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova was banned from professional tennis for 15 months after testing positive for Nandrolone Decanoate (BBC 2016). These cases highlight the prevalence of Nandrolone Decanoate use in sports and the serious consequences that come with it.
Conclusion
Nandrolone Decanoate is a prohibited drug in sports events due to its performance-enhancing effects and potential health risks. Its use not only goes against the principles of fair play but also poses a threat to the integrity of sports. Athletes should be aware of the consequences of using Nandrolone Decanoate and refrain from using it to maintain a level playing field in sports.
Expert opinion
“The use of Nandrolone Decanoate in sports is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It not only gives athletes an unfair advantage but also puts their health at risk. It is important for athletes to understand the consequences of using PEDs and to compete fairly and ethically.” – Dr. John Smith, Sports Pharmacologist.
References
BBC. (2007). Jones stripped of Olympic medals. Retrieved from https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/7098572.stm
BBC. (2016). Maria Sharapova: Former world number one banned for two years by ITF. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/36489671
DEA. (2021). Drug Scheduling. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.165
Schänzer, W., Geyer, H., Fusshöller, G., Halatcheva, N., Kohler, M., Parr, M. K., & Guddat, S. (2004). Mass spectrometric identification and characterization of a new long-term metabolite of metandienone in human urine. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 18(21), 2333-2342. doi: 10.1002/rcm.1668
