Nutrional supplements and the USAF?

[Andy]

Lighten up, francis. It had been humor, obviously completely lost on you.
This guy is only interested in over the counter products, not anything that you'd buy in some shady back alley deal.
I don't know the quality of flight surgeon you've been exposed to, but I've encountered more than a couple that are quacks. I'd rather just research the answer myself and find out the correct answer.

 

[nitrogen]

Hmmmmmmmm

Well actually testosterone would be completely fine if you could actually get your hands on it. Unfortunately, it would cost you an arm and a leg on the street OR from a doctor. There are some docs that can diagnose you with low levels and prescribe it to you but unless you have good insurance its gonna cost you. Testosterone is a normally occuring hormone in your body. Since people have very differing levels theres no way to really regulate it or test for supplementing it. Growth hormone is another interesting one that can't be tested for.

But, having testosterone boosters or replicators such as steroids would certainly be testable. The FAA doesn't currently test for steroids on a drug test. However, there certainly are some dangerous side effects.

The steroid pre-cursors are also interesting. They are currently legal although the most popular one, andro, has recently been targeted by the FDA. They have sent warning letters to companies selling andro to stop unless they can prove it is safe.
It's actually kind of a joke. Sort of like telling you to report to prison unless YOU can prove you didn't commit the crime. I love guilty until proven innocent. Totally laughable and legally completely unenforceable.

Yet, some of the sports have banned andro and they can test for it. Right now though its legal. And frankly if they do ban it there's about 1000 other precursors that will do the same job and chemically are pretty easy to make.

Creatine is OK. Creates ATP in the muscles and causes them to retain more water which gives you a fuller look to your muscles and does actually make you stronger. But when you stop taking it it disappears as quickly so its really a temporary thing that may help promote growth by allowing the muscle to do more work and therefore promote some growth. Maybe.

 

[Andy]

Nitrogen, all of the testosterone replacement therapy clinincs that I have seen that are prescribing testosterone for patients are using steroids. I have never heard of any form of testosterone that is not schedule III; if you've got a link, I'd love to read more about it. Here are a couple of ads from the internet:

http://www.real-testosterone.net/?source=overture_testosterone
http://antiaginggroup.com/?OVRAW=TESTOSTERONE&OVKEY=testosterone&OVMTC=standard

All of these forms of testosterone (test cyp, test prop, test susp, deca) are schedule III controlled substances. They are legal for doctors to prescribe for hormone replacement therapy, but unless you've got a testosterone deficiency or hitting midlife, it's unlikely that you're going to find a doctor to prescribe steroids to you.
Note how the first ad uses Clomiphene; this is to combat the increased production of estrogen due to the testosterone therapy (gynocomastia, or b!tch tits, is one side effect of steroid usage). Another side effect of using testosterone is that when someone is using steroids, their Leydig cells shut down, effectively ending natural testosterone production. There are drugs to 'kick start' the Leydig cells after steroid usage, but there's no guarantee. Also, if one remains on steroids for an extended period of time, the body could permanently stop producing testosterone naturally.

The new generation of over the counter products can also have similar severe negative consequences on one's body.
And as benign as many think that creatine is, there are a couple of studies that show prolonged use can effect the electrical impulses in the heart. A cardiologist (and weightlifter) friend of mine recommended cycling creatine for no longer than two months on, one month off due to the effect that creatine can have on your heart.

At this point in my life, I've personally gone completely 'natural,' with only vitamins and protein supplements. (Too many long term unknowns about the current over the counter supplements). Personally, I think that as long as you feed your body an adequate supply of protein, have a healthy diet, and get enough rest (sleep), you are going to achieve very close to the results that you would with steroids or all of the gimmick supplements out there.

 

[nitrogen]

Test

Andy,

I'm sure youre right.

As long as you are under the care of a physician it is perfectly legal to take it as prescribed and you can fly with it. Unfortunately, it's easier to find a Doc that will put you on it than you think. It's a real money maker for them. A DAL guy I know has been prescribed it and I know for a fact his testo. levels came back normal.

I hate needles too much to ever try it. But he swears by it. Although, he has quite a short fuse at times when he's on it.