ANSES: The national nutrivigilance scheme, managed by ANSES,
collects reports of adverse effects likely to be related to the
consumption of food supplements for athletes. These reports, and the
widespread consumption in several sports disciplines of these types of
products, which aim to develop muscle or reduce body fat, have led ANSES
to draw attention to the potential health risks. Effects that are
potentially serious for some users, primarily cardiovascular
(tachycardia, arrhythmia and stroke) and psychological (anxiety and mood
disorders), have been observed. The Agency therefore advises against
the use of these food supplements by people with cardiovascular risk
factors or suffering from heart disease, impaired kidney or liver
function, or neuropsychiatric disorders, or by children, adolescents,
and pregnant or breastfeeding women. ANSES also recommends avoiding the
consumption of food supplements containing caffeine before and during
any sporting activity, as well as the concomitant consumption of several
food supplements, or their combined consumption with medicinal
products. In addition, ANSES reiterates the need to seek advice from a
healthcare professional before taking food supplements.
