Various Studies Shows That Muscle-Building Supplements Can Increase Risk Of Testicular Cancer
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 06, 2024 6 months, 2 weeks, 3 days, 3 hours, 36 minutes ago
Health-News: Growing Concerns Over Supplements
The use of muscle-building supplements (MBS) is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young men and athletes. Despite the widespread use, many studies indicates that these supplements may come with serious health risks.
One past study published in the British Journal of Cancer has found a significant association between the use of muscle-building supplements and an increased risk of testicular cancer.
https://www.nature.com/articles/bjc201526
A recent study review also validated and warned that muscle-building supplements can cause testicular cancer.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8834066/
Rising Rates of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer, specifically testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC), is the most common type of cancer among men aged 14 to 44. Over the past few decades, the incidence of TGCC has risen dramatically.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10953835/
While genetic factors such as family history and conditions like cryptorchidism play a significant role in testicular cancer risk, they do not fully explain the rising incidence rates.
Environmental Factors and Hormone Disruption
There is increasing evidence that environmental exposures, particularly during adolescence, might be contributing to the rise in TGCC cases. This has been covered in numerous past studies and
Health News report. Hormone disruption caused by certain exposures can damage and modify the function of genes that are susceptible to cancer. Muscle-building supplements, which are often used to enhance athletic performance and achieve an idealized muscular physique, have come under scrutiny for their potential role in this disruption.
Key Findings From The Past Study Published In the British Journal of Cancer
Researchers conducted a detailed survey involving nearly 900 men from Massachusetts and Connecticut. Among these participants, 356 had been diagnosed with TGCC, while 513 had not. The study found that men who reported using muscle-building supplements had a 65% higher risk of developing testicular cancer compared to those who did not use such supplements. This risk was even higher for men who began using supplements before the age of 25, those who used multiple types of supplements, and those who used them for three years or longer.
The Role of Specific Supplements
The supplements examined in the study included a variety of powders and pills containing ingredients like creatine and androstenedione. While pure creatine is generally considered safe, the study suggests that the increased cancer risk might be linked to other compounds often found in these supplements, such as impurities, prohormones, and banned substances.
Regulatory Gaps and Potential Risks
One of the significant challenges in understanding the risks associated with muscle-building supplements is the lack of strict regulation. The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements for safety before they reach the market. This regulatory gap means that many products may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label, including environmental contaminants like bisphenol A (BPA) and heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. Some supplements are even adulterated with anabolic steroids, which are known to have severe health implications, including an increased risk of cancer.
Industry Response and Recommendations
The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a leading trade association for the supplement industry, has urged caution in interpreting the study’s findings. They emphasize the need for consumers to research the companies they buy products from and be wary of products that promise extreme muscle-building results, which may indicate the presence of illegal substances.
Future Research Directions
The study underscores the need for more research to confirm these findings and further explore the relationship between muscle-building supplements and testicular cancer. Future studies should focus on detailed assessments of supplement use, considering factors like brand switching, dose variations, and the use of multiple substances. Additionally, toxicological studies are needed to investigate the adverse health effects of specific ingredients and contaminants in these supplements.
Conclusion
As the popularity of muscle-building supplements continues to rise, especially among young men and athletes, it is crucial to understand the potential health risks associated with their use. This study highlights the importance of regulating the supplement industry more strictly and educating the public about the potential dangers of these products. By raising awareness and conducting further research, we can better protect individuals from the harmful effects of muscle-building supplements and reduce the incidence of testicular cancer.
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/warning:-gym-users-taking-anabolic-androgenic-steroids--at-risk-of-fatal-heart-issues
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/research-shows-all-testosterone-boosting-supplements-are-fakes
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/male-breast-cancer-cases-rising-not-among-trans-but-rather-among-body-builders
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