Pediatricians Warn of Rise in Performance-Enhancing Substance Use Among Canadian Adolescents

Strategic Insights -

Canadian pediatric specialists have reported seeing a growing number of adolescents needing medical attention due to the use of performance-enhancing products, including both legal and illegal substances. According to a recent survey of over 800 specialists, 17% saw adolescents requiring medical attention for such products during the previous year. The majority of cases involved boys, with over half between the ages of 13 and 15. Legal performance-enhancing substances, such as whey protein, creatine, and amino acids, are widely available in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online. However, they can have adverse effects, including high caffeine counts, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Illegal performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic-androgenic steroids, are also being used by adolescents, with almost one-quarter of cases involving these substances.

Key Takeaways:

  • 17% of over 800 Canadian pediatric specialists reported seeing adolescents requiring medical attention for performance-enhancing products during the previous year.
  • The majority of cases involved boys, with over half between the ages of 13 and 15.
  • Almost a third of patients affected were between 10 and 12 years old.
  • Legal performance-enhancing substances, such as whey protein, creatine, and amino acids, are widely available in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online.
  • Pre-workout drinks or powders, often containing amino acids, creatine, and caffeine, are popular among adolescents.
  • Illegal performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic-androgenic steroids, are also being used by adolescents.
  • Adverse effects of performance-enhancing substances include high caffeine counts, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • The survey highlights the need for pediatricians, family doctors, and parents to learn more about performance-enhancing substances and their potential risks.
  • Social media influencers and online research contribute to the widespread use of dietary supplements among adolescents.
  • Health-care providers and parents must ensure adolescents are using performance-enhancing substances safely, including not taking too much and getting products from reputable sources.
  • The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, in collaboration with the Canadian Paediatric Society, conducted the survey.

Statistics:

  • 17% of over 800 Canadian pediatric specialists reported seeing adolescents requiring medical attention for performance-enhancing products during the previous year.
  • 55 patients were affected by performance-enhancing substances or drugs, with:

+ 40% involving whey protein powders or protein shakes

+ 29% involving pre-workout drinks or powders

+ 22% involving illegal drugs such as anabolic-androgenic steroids

  • 30% of cases involved kidney problems
  • 25% of cases involved gastrointestinal symptoms
  • 20 patients had ongoing health issues or unknown outcomes
  • Health Canada authorizes certain workout supplements for adults 18 years of age and over, but does not require age verification at the point of sale.

Sources:

  • The Canadian Press
  • Kyle Ganson, assistant professor of social work at the University of Toronto
  • Health Canada
  • The Associated Press