The recent steroid related murder incidents in UK have triggered significant concerns from health experts. The case of Raoul Moat and Jonathan Vass, who were involved in heinous crimes, were both steroid users. According to reports they were both victims of roid rage as a result of using anabolic steroids.

The use of muscle enhancers and bodybuilding supplements in the UK is still increasing despite strict regulations of the drug. It is a class c drug but most often it can be purchased at local gyms and underground markets. In the latest estimate of the British Crime Survey, there are at least 226,000 people who have used steroids. However, health experts believe that the statistics are way to low. They said that there are still a huge number of undocumented steroid users in the country.

Nick Francis of The Sun interviewed several health experts and some of them work in needle exchange programs. It was revealed that the majority of the needles came from steroid users. According to Dr. Ken Checinski, a consultant psychologist for drugs information charity FRANK, half of the needles they requested were steroid packs. “I do a lot of work with needle-exchange services, run by Addaction, the UK’s biggest drug-treatment charity. It used to be mostly needles used for injection of drugs like heroin,” he said. There is a huge increase in the number of users.

“Steroids definitely make people who are already prone to mood issues worse, and can make a placid person irritable, depressed and violent in extreme cases,” said Dr. Checinski. Anabolic steroids are also used in legitimate medical treatments but Dr. Checinski said that it could still cause mood disorders which can be depression or anger.

Another drug charity worker interviewed by Francis revealed the same facts. Roy Jones of drugs charity Turning Point said that the needle-exchange programs in the country are flooded with steroid users surpassing the number of users of recreational drugs like heroin. “We’re seeing more and more people come in with steroid use - from all walks of life, including doctors and lawyers. Their average age used to be around 34 but now a lot of users are in their late teens or early twenties,” Jones said. There are even students as young as 12 years old who are already interested in taking steroids.

According to Dr. Jim McVeigh of John Moores University in Liverpool, the increasing number is caused by people’s belief that steroids can help them achieve what they want at a faster pace. “We’re now seeing a much higher proportion of people turning to anabolic steroids as a quick fix. They take them too lightly. The number of users is definitely greater than stated in the official statistics,” McVeigh said.

Almost all bodybuilders depend on anabolic steroids to increase muscles and gain more weight. However, health experts warn them of the possible side effects of using steroids for longer periods and their tendency to abuse these drugs. “Having dealt with a number of steroid users over the years, I would say the steroids are as bad for the liver as alcohol. They also cause baldness and acne on the face and body,” said Dr. Checinski. “They don’t increase strength as much as size, with users looking big but not necessarily becoming stronger. But people with low self-esteem, or who feel pressure to have a strong physique, are most likely to use them,” he added.

The use of supplements to build better body physique is not always a good option. The US FDA has already issued several warnings to the public about the use of dietary supplements because some of these products contain harmful ingredients. The country is not alone in this dilemma. If supplement manufacturers can’t market their products in the US, they will find other countries with lenient policies on supplements. Most Asian countries are the easy target of supplement manufacturers because strict laws and regulations have yet to be established on products marketed as dietary and bodybuilding supplements.

However, regulatory agencies of most governments are not complacent on this issue. They are aware of the dangers of these supplements when taken by the consumers. Since some of these products are imported as dietary supplements and not as drugs, a thorough analysis of its contents is not being done. There are cases where some ingredients are not disclosed on the label posing health risks to the user. In order to stop this, the US FDA is cooperating with other countries by informing them of the products which they found unsafe and ineffective. An example of this is the recent action of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India where they issued an advisory against the use of some dietary supplements available in their country. This is in response to the request of the US FDA to look into products which may contain harmful ingredients and could be in the Indian market already.

Rupali Mukherjee of India Times said that the Food Safety and Standards Authority issued the advisory on July 16. It can be recalled that some of these supplements are already being recalled in the US and other countries. According to Mukherjee, a class-I recall is for dangerous or defective products that could cause serious health problems or even lead to death. These supplements were found to contain steroid or steroid-like substances. Since these were not approved by the US FDA as drugs, it can lead to serious health problems if not taken properly.

Steroids are classified as controlled substances. If anabolic steroids were intentionally added in these dietary products, then the possibility of experiencing negative side effects is prevalent. Dietary supplements can be purchased easily over the counter or at any health store without a doctor’s prescription. The consumers usually depend on the dosage and instructions contained in the label. This practice increases the risk of complications. Users who want to achieve instant results like better body tone, bigger muscles and increased stamina may sometime take beyond the normal dosage leading to its abuse.

Mukherjee said that steroid-containing products pose a risk of acute liver injury to people who consume them. “In addition, steroids may cause other serious long-term adverse health consequences in people, including children. These may include male infertility, masculinisation of women, stunted growth in children, adverse effects on blood lipid profile and increased risk of heart attack, stroke and even death,” he said.

Other products that should be scrutinized aside from dietary supplements include bodybuilding supplements, whey proteins and vitamins. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is setting up new guidelines and control measures on all food and beverages, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, energy drinks and special food including functional and probiotic products. The products mentioned above will now be required to include vitamin stipulations, mineral and protein content. Recommended portion sizes or proper dosages are also needed. Manufacturers of supplements should get the approval first of the Food Safety and Standards Authority for any claims on prevention or cure of diseases.

National athletes involved in the use of anabolic steroids are not new in Bulgaria. They have been into controversies since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After 11 of its weightlifting athletes tested positive for a banned substance, the Balkan country decided to pull out its entire team from the Olympics. The Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation decided to withdraw from the competition three women and eight men who were tested positive for steroids. They were Ivailo Filev, Demir Demirev, Mehmed Fikretov, Ivan Stoitsov, Georgi Markov, Ivan Markov, Alan Tsagaev, Velichko Cholakov, Milka Maneva, Donka Mincheva and Gergana Kirilova. Although there was no admission on the part of the weightlifters, they did not ask for confirmatory tests. They alleged that it could be due to the supplement that they were taking that time.

The athletes who are into the weightlifting sports are not learning this lesson. If you cheat, you will be putting your career at risk. Even before the Beijing Olympics, 3 Bulgarian weightlifters were banned prior to the Athens Olympics in 2004. Just recently, another weightlifter from Bulgaria tested positive for a banned substance. Weightlifter Boyan Polejanov returned a positive test for anabolic steroid methandienone during an out-of-competition test.

The 25-year-old weightlifter finished seventh in the +105 kg category at the European Championships in Minsk last April. He denied that he is doping. In an interview with Bulgarian media, Polejanov would not be seeking for a confirmatory test for his B sample. He will also retire from the sport after the incident. “The whole situation is very confusing as no one can still explain where it came from. Anyway, I’ll not continue with weightlifting, that’s for sure,” said Polejanov.

What makes methandienone a banned substance? It is an anabolic steroid taken orally which helps in the development of muscles. This is a popular steroid among bodybuilders and weightlifters because it provides them with a dramatic increase in protein synthesis, glycogenolysis, and muscle strength over a short period of time. Taking methandienone will surely give competitive advantage to an athlete.

Most sports organizations prohibit its use. However, there are still some countries where it can be purchased without a prescription. And it is not surprising that Bulgaria is one of those countries where athletes have an easy access to this kind of anabolic steroid. This could be one of the reasons why many of their athletes are tempted to use steroids.

Methandienone or Methandrostenolone is commonly sold under different names. Bodybuilders buy this steroid as Averbol, Dianabol, Danabol, or DBOL. It is also stacked with other steroids particularly testosterone propionate, enanthate, cypionate or combined with trenbolone acetate to achieve maximum benefits.

Reuters also reported that Bulgaria’s sports ministry sanctioned its domestic weightlifting federation in December by revoking its license.

In a study conducted by a group of doctors revealed that the long term use of anabolic steroids can weaken the heart and could increase the risk of heart failure. The findings were published in the latest edition of the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Heart Failure.

Previous studies have little data to prove that anabolic steroids can directly harm the heart and its normal functions. Most studies were centered on the effects of steroids on the kidneys and liver. The researchers also noted that the previous studies conducted in Europe used professional athletes as the subject of the study. Most of them took different supplements which makes it very difficult to associate heart problems to steroids alone. And since they are competitive athletes, it is also expected that they have healthier bodies.

The doctors from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston headed by Dr. Aaron L. Baggish decided to make a separate study to determine the extent of anabolic steroids’ effects to the heart. But their study only focused on recreational athletes or bodybuilders. The group recruited 12 male weightlifters with an average age of 40. The data from these weightlifters who are taking 675 milligrams of steroids per week for nine years was compared to other weightlifters with the same statistics except that they did not took steroids.

Dr. Baggish told WebMD that steroids use is not only confined in professional sports but it is now becoming popular for casual athletes. “Steroid use in the general public wasn’t really an issue until the late 1980s or even the mid-1990s. Even now, when we hear about steroids it’s because a professional baseball player or cyclist has taken them. But the vast majority of steroid use is now happening among casual athletes who work 9-to-5 jobs,” he said.

The group used the Doppler echocardiographytechnique to examine the left ventricle’s function and structure. It uses an ultrasound to conduct graphical assessment of the heart particularly its blood flow. With this method, the ejection fraction of the heart is measured. The normal ejection fraction is between 55% to 70%. 10 weightlifters who took steroids for longer periods showed a lower percentage with an average of 50% while those who did not took any anabolic steroids has a higher ejection fraction averaging 59%. Only 1 of the seven non-steroid user returned a below normal figure. Low ejection fraction increases the risk of heart disease and heart failure. It was also noted that the steroid group had impaired diastolic functions.

The researchers hope that with their findings, people will now recognize the effects of steroids to the heart. “What we hope is that people start recognizing steroid use as a potential cause of heart disease and a cause of otherwise unexplained heart dysfunction in young people,” said Baggish. “I think for the first time we’re starting to realize that the heart is one of the organs that is negatively impacted by long-term steroid use,” he added.

Since it was only a micro-study, other questions are still left unanswered. According to Dr. Baggish, it is not yet clear whether the impact of long term steroid use on the heart is still reversible once these people stoppped using the drug.

Their findings will also help health practitioners in the proper diagnosis of patients with heart problems. They can now include anabolic steroids use as one of the possible causes of left ventricular dysfunction in young people who are considered healthy according to Dr. Baggish. “Doctors need to ask their patients if they use steroids.”

Ann F. Bolger, spokeswoman of the American Heart Association, said that further studies should be conducted to confirm the findings. However, she agreed that the use of anabolic steroid needs to be on the radar of evaluating clinician regarding the heart disease risks of their patients. “This is a wake-up call to practitioners to ask about steroid use,” said Bolger who is a professor of clinical medicine at the University of California. “We would never dream of not asking if a patient smokes or if they have high blood pressure or diabetes. But I’m guessing very few ask about steroid use,” she said.

A Brunswick bodybuilder was given a 5 year suspended sentence for his participation in an underground steroid manufacturing and distribution ring. Jason Arntz, 38, pleaded guilty in January to third-degree conspiracy to manufacture steroids. It was in March 2007 when authorities arrested 16 people, most are bodybuilders, for illegal manufacture of steroids and distribution in the Hanovers and Florham Park in Morris County.

Although Arntz did not participate in actual manufacture of the drugs or participated in the distribution of steroids, he supplied the group with the pill press used to facilitate the production. He still has the liability since according to court records he has knowledge that the press will be used for the illegal manufacture of the muscle-enhancing drugs, steroids.

Aside from the 5 year suspended sentence, the judge handling the case imposed a penalty of more than $1,000 and required Arntz to perform 150 hours of community service. Part of his community service is to engage in steroid education. The judge urge Arntz to do some speaking engagement in public schools or to groups about the dangers of steroids. “Maybe you can prevent some other person from going down the same path you did,” the judge said.

The prosecution, on the other hand, requested for an outright jail term for Arntz. Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Vincent Leo said that the defendant has a 2001 drug distribution conviction in the Union County and a disorderly persons offense in 2002. The prosecutor argued for a 3 to 5 year prison term but it was countered by the defendant’s lawyer, Robert Dunn. He said that Arntz has since “turned his life around,” and has a young child on his second marriage.

Judge Thomas Manahan explained his decision to give Arntz a suspended sentence. “Those two brushes with the law did not impede Mr. Arntz from assisting someone he knew was manufacturing anabolic steroids.” “I do not find probation is an appropriate sentence. Having said that, I don’t find state prison – today – is an appropriate sentence. I’m going to keep you under wraps in a different way,” with a suspended sentence’” said judge Manahan. The judge explained that if ever Arntz will be involved again in any violation of the law, he will be sent to prison. “It’s up to you how you comport yourself, but there won’t be any other chances,” the judge added.

Other respondents in the case also pleaded guilty to the charges and almost all of them received a probationary sentence. Co-accused Michael B. Dente was charged with conspiracy to possess steroids with the intent to distribute. He was given 2 years probation last year and required to render 100 hours of community service and 90 days work on the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program and to pay a fine of $650.

Another co-defendant Anthony M. Cuppari already pleaded guilty for the distribution charges but could be facing a stiffer penalty because of his involvement in the sale of steroids to a minor and distributing cocaine to his girlfriend. With these offenses, Cuppari could be facing a maximum jail term of 10 years. The sentencing is scheduled on April 9.

The 5-time bodybuilding champion of Australia was recently sentenced by the magistrate court for selling illegal anabolic steroids. Angelo Galati who is also popular as “Mr. Bench” was charged with trafficking anabolic steroids, possessing a drug of dependance and receiving and possessing the proceeds of a crime. He pleaded guilty for the offenses. The bodybuilder received a 12-month intensive corrections order for all the charges. Aside from the jail term, he will also undergo regular test for drugs and alcohol. Confiscated steroids and other drugs including the cash found in his home were also forfeited.

Many people were surprised on his involvement in the illegal trade of steroids. He was known for his clean image in the bodybuilding world. He is working as a hairdresser and as a personal trainer. Even at the age of 40, he is still active in bodybuilding competitions. His moniker as “Mr Bench” was due to his bench-pressing world records which he broke several times. The age did not limit the bodybuilder champ to lift weights more than what younger bodybuilders can do. In 2008, Galati won the title of Mr. Australia when he competed in the International Federation of Bodybuilding competition. He won the title for the fifth time. He is also active in organizing competitions and trainings for the inmates of the Hobart’s Risdon Prison.

Based on the report of Adrian Ballantyne of WhereILive.com.au, authorities searched his home in North Rd in Bentleigh East where several anabolic steroids and cash were found. There were at least 6500 anabolic steroid tablets, 16 vials of liquid and $16,835 in cash were seized during the raid on September 2008. Court records showed that the steroids were hidden in the different locations at his home. Some were found in the bedrooms while other drugs and cash were found in the kitchen. According to prosecutor Stephen McGinness, a further search at the bodybuilder’s home helped the authorities to located a metal tin which contained $16,335 in cash and various papers listing amounts sold and received.

Meanwhile, Curtis Wenzlaff, the controversial bodybuilder and trainer of most professional athletes in the MLB and NFL said that he is looking for a publisher of his steroid tell-all book. There is no timetable yet as to when it will be published. Wenzlaff was convicted for his illegal distribution of steroids in California thru Operation Equine by the FBI. He recently confirmed to the media that he gave Mark McGwire cocktails of steroids to enhance his performance. “It must be understood. I was a professional trainer, I was not a drug dealer. I sold my services. My clients were professional athletes and actors,” Wenzlaff said in an interview. As a professional trainer and bodybuilder, Wenzlaff uses high-intensity weightlifting routines, including the use of cattle prods and sensory deprivation tanks. Part of his training regimen on professional athletes was giving different combination of steroids.