Policy analysis finds muscle-building supplements underregulated in Canada

15 Sep 2023 --- Commonly used muscle-building dietary supplements, such as whey protein, creatine monohydrate and amino acids, are loosely regulated by federal Canadian law, a recent policy analysis found.

“These dietary supplements are widely available and easily accessible despite the potential for being adulterated with banned substances. We also know that use of muscle-building dietary supplements is linked with eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, illicit substance use and future use of anabolic-androgenic steroids,” says Dr. Kyle Ganson, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

“Several strategies may be used to deter use, such as imposing a tax on these supplements, as well as restricting sale to those under 18 years old,” notes Ganson.

Regulatory loopholes
The findings, which suggest that there are “several gaps” in policy regulation, were published in the journal Performance Enhancement and Health, Elsevier. The dietary supplements are promoted for their purported benefits to muscle growth and recovery and are regulated by the Natural Health Products Regulations under Health Canada.

Natural health products are currently regulated under the Food and Drugs Act (1985) and the Natural Health Products Regulations (2004). The research authors underscore the need for greater regulations given their prior research that documented whey protein use by more than 80% of boys and young men and over half using creatine monohydrate.There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating serious implications from the consumption of muscle building dietary supplements. 

“We identified many gaps in the current policy that put young people at risk, namely, there’s a serious lack of a consistent method of ensuring manufacturing sites and products are safe and unadulterated or contaminated,” Ganson explains.

Earlier this year, the US FDA cautioned the public about bodybuilding products misleadingly labeled as dietary supplements, which could contain illegal substances associated with potentially serious health risks.

Regulatory guidelines
Prior research has observed an association between muscle-building supplements and problematic alcohol behaviors, including binge-drinking, criminal offending, intimate partner violence, sexual risk behaviors and eating disorder symptoms. 

However, research investigating the adverse outcomes of muscle-building supplement use often does not account for dosing, knowledge of appropriate use among users or interactions with other medications and supplements. 

The researchers provide a number of pre- and post-market recommendations to strengthen policy to protect the health and well-being of Canadians.

The researchers also recommend enhanced pre- and post-market testing of manufacturing sites and products, an increase in Health Canada’s capacity to recall products and an improvement in the monitoring of adverse events.

By Inga de Jong