Containing steroids.
Anabolic steroid drugs are hormones and hormonal precursors that produce elevations in or mimic the functions of testosterone. They are often used illegally to produce increases in weight, lean body mass, and strength. Since steroids are oral or injectable pharmacological and not nutritional agents, detailed descriptions of the research regarding steroids is beyond the scope of this book. In general, however, steroids are androgenic compounds capable of increasing weight and when used during resistance training can lead to increased lean body mass. Many studies support the potential for steroids to increase strength as well. Negative effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids include alterations to liver function, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, altered reproduction and reproductive organs, development of acne, and mental instability. Overall, since steroids are illegal by law and for competition and can produce many negative side effects, the positive influence on strength gains and increases in lean body mass are far outweighed.