Inadvertent Doping

Inadvertent doping, i.e. the unintentional consumption of a contaminated product is a major problem for the anti-doping system.  To understand the risks of inadvertent doping in scientific publications and how inadvertent doping cases are sanctioned, iNADO, reviewed relevant academic papers and sanctions available in the Anti-Doping Knowledge Centre (ADKC). 

Sanctions

Of a total of 683* ADRV (presence) cases between 2015 and 2022 listed in the ADKC, in  166 contamination was argued as the cause of the AAF. This represents 24%. Not always the ahtlete was able to establish contamination as the source of the AAF but in 48 cases (7%) this argument was accepted by the panel. Find out more here. 

*ADRV (presence of a prohibited substance) sanctions categorized as: no significant fault or negligence, no intention to enhance performance, and no intention to cheat.

Academic Literature

Numerous studies published in scientific journals confirm a high risk of contamination of nutritional supplements commercialized online and in local shops (in different locations). Typically, supplements can present (unintentional) cross-contaminations with prohormones, stimulants, anabolic androgenic steroids and 2 agonists. However, intentional contamination by the manufacturers, in order to enhance supplements effects, is also possible.

Studies also show that an athlete may test positive due to contamination through a medicine intake due to impurities in medicines/pharmaceutical products, which are not mentioned in the ingredients list, but also through person-to-person. To find out more about the contamination risks associated with supplements, pharmaceuticals and food as described in scientific literature.