Uncompromising ADAK cautions Kenyan athletes against use of all supplements

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) director of education and research Agnes Mandu has cautioned athletes against the use of food supplements.

Mandu, while closing the two-day seminar organised by the agency in conjunction with the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya(SJAK) at Diani advised athletes to stay clear of supplements as they may contain banned substances.

With athletes being responsible of what enters their bodies, Mandu reminded the athletes that they will pay the price in the event of a positive drug test borne out of the consumption of supplements.

"As ADAK we have a no policy for food supplements. We encourage athletes not to use them for they carry a risk of having prohibited substances. Although, supplements are not in the prohibited lists, they are produced by industries that are not regulated. In the process of production, the supplement can be inadvertently be contaminated or even spiked deliberately, " she said.

Further, Mandu encouraged athletes to turn to natural sources of nutrients to avoid running into trouble with the agency and for the sake of their careers and health as well.

" If they eat well, they will gain the energy they are looking in the supplement. Let them not use the shortcuts. They need to eat well and rest well," she said.

ADAK calls for stakeholders' collaboration in fight against doping

With the World Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, the agency revealed that the message had been spread in the Kenyan camp and does not only target runners but all sportsmen.

" In terms of creating awareness to the athletes we have done it and will continue up to the time we will have clear policies. The use of supplements in the rugby fraternity has reduced drastically from the time we began and we hope to reach to all our athletes and let them know the dangers of using supplements, " she added.