Informed-Sport is a global testing and supplement certification program that provides assurance to athletes that products carrying the Informed-Sport mark have been tested for prohibited substances and manufactured to high-quality standards. The program was established in 2008 by one of the world's leading doping control laboratories, LGC (formerly HFL Sport Science) in order to minimize the incidence of product contamination and banned substances finding their way into the sport.
One of the major concerns for athletes is the potential contamination of supplements with banned substances. Research has shown that some supplement products may be contaminated with low levels of steroids, stimulants, or other substances which are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other sporting bodies. Informed-Sport aims to address this issue by working closely with supplement manufacturers and suppliers to provide high-quality analytical testing and certified supplements.
The Informed-Sport program tests every single batch of a product before it's released to the market, and after certification, they continually blind test to further ensure the integrity and safety of the product. Informed-Sport certification is voluntary for supplement companies who wish to certify some, or all, of their products onto the program. Once certified, products can carry the Informed-Sport logo or on-pack descriptor, allowing athletes to easily identify products that have undergone rigorous testing for banned substances.
The following are some key points about Informed-Sport and how it can save your athletic career:
- Informed-Sport tests every single batch of a product before it's released the to market to ensure that it's free from prohibited substances.
- The program works closely with supplement manufacturers and suppliers to provide high-quality analytical testing and certified supplements.
- Informed-Sport certification is voluntary for supplement companies, and products that are certified can carry the Informed-Sport logo or on-pack descriptor.
- Athletes who see the Informed-Sport mark on a product can be assured it has undergone a rigorous screening program for banned substances in sport and is safer for use.
- We recommend verifying a product's batch number by performing a quick search on the Informed Sport website by batch number, brand name, product name, and formulation.
It is crucial for athletes to make informed decisions about the supplements they use in order to avoid accidental doping and maintain the integrity of the sport. Informed Sport provides a valuable service by certifying supplements that have been tested for prohibited substances and manufactured to high-quality standards. By choosing supplements that carry the Informed Sport mark, athletes can have peace of mind that they are using a safe and clean product.
Why it is Important for athletes to avoid bans
A ban from competition is a devastating blow to any athlete, particularly if it occurs during their prime. When an athlete is unable to compete, their body is no longer subjected to the same levels of physical activity and competition that it was previously, leading to muscle loss and changes in body composition that can be difficult or even impossible to reverse once the ban is lifted. The impact of a ban on an athlete's physical condition can be particularly severe, as it can take a long time to regain the level of fitness and performance that they had before.
For many athletes, their prime is a limited window of time during which they are able to perform at their highest level. This window is crucial for an athlete as it is during this period when they can achieve their best results and make a name for themselves in the sport. Disruption to this window by a ban can be a major setback, and for some athletes, it can be challenging or even impossible to regain the physical conditioning and competitive edge they had before. Unfortunately, in some cases, an athlete may never be able to return to their former level of performance, even after a ban is lifted.
A ban can also have a major impact on an athlete's social life, as they may be banned from attending training grounds, stadiums, and events, even as a spectator. This can result in a significant loss of social interaction with teammates and trainers, which can be a lonely and isolating experience. It is not just the athlete's professional life that is affected but also their personal life, as they may be cut off from the social circle they had formed around the sport.
Bans can range from weeks to years, and it is crucial that athletes take steps to avoid them. Athletes should be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding doping and only use supplements and medications that are allowed in their sport. This not only helps to protect the integrity of the sport but also ensures that athletes can continue to compete at their best. By following these guidelines, athletes can safeguard their careers and avoid the negative consequences of a ban.
How can informed sports prevent this from happening?
The use of Informed Sport-certified products can be helpful for this as products with an Informed-Sport label have been tested for prohibited substances and manufactured to high-quality standards. By using supplements that have been certified by Informed Sport, athletes can have peace of mind that they are not unknowingly consuming banned substances which could lead to a positive doping test and a ban from competition.