Thesis
The presence of adulterants and mislabeling of caffeine content in Australian sports supplements
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
Background: Adulteration of sports supplements is an increasing issue that has changed over the years. Within the past few years, Australia has implemented new legislation that alters how supplements are regulated. Before this new regulation, little research had been conducted within the country surrounding the adulteration of sports supplements, predominately weight loss and pre-workout supplements. With the changes in adulteration being seen on a global scale, the characteristics and trends can be applied to the Australian context. Methods: This systematic literature review investigated literature surrounding the adulteration of sports supplements, predominately weight loss and pre-workout supplements, from around the world. The review included an assessment of analysis methods utilised for the detection and analysis of adulterants such as sibutramine, DMAA, DMBA, sildenafil and others. Various databases were searched for relevant articles that included the testing of supplements relevant to the review, along with other inclusion criteria set out. The time frame in which it was searched ranged from 2013 until the present day, with the identification of 81 articles. Results: Reviewing the included articles, it was found that current adulterants used in weight loss and pre-workout supplements have remained consistent over the ten-year period reviewed, with many adulterants banned in most countries. Common adulterants included sibutramine, phenethylamine, DMAA and phenethylamine. The regulation of supplements also affected the number of articles a country would publish due to the difference in how strict some countries regulation was compared to others; with the US topping the list for the highest number. The analysis techniques used showed two distinctive types, one being the methods of screening for specific adulterants. At the same time, the other techniques were for screening for the presence of unknown adulterants. The review revealed that most of the techniques utilised for screening would be unable to detect/quantify designer adulterants. Conclusions: The need for more studies into adulteration within Australia was evident, including the need to conduct market surveys to evaluate the extent of adulteration within the supplement market. With the implementation of new legislation within the country, future research should be conducted to evaluate its effectiveness. Comparing legislation to other countries will help improve Australian regulation and is essential to stopping adulteration.
Details
- Title
- The presence of adulterants and mislabeling of caffeine content in Australian sports supplements
- Authors/Creators
- Joe Finan
- Contributors
- John Coumbaros (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic SciencesGarth Maker (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005623670207891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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