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Study 7 of 12MK-677 (Ibutamoren) literatureeuropepmc · Review2026

Systematic review of undeclared prohibited substances and pharmacological adulterants in dietary supplements: prevalence, detection, and risks in sport.

About 9-15% of dietary supplements used by athletes may contain prohibited substances, highlighting a significant risk for unintentional doping.

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Where it sits

this study against the rest of the mk-677 (ibutamoren) corpus
1
Preclinical
8
Observational
0
Open-label
2
Randomised
1
Reviews · this one

Summary and findings

This systematic review assessed the prevalence of undeclared prohibited substances and pharmacological adulterants in dietary supplements used by athletes. It analyzed 44 studies from an initial pool of 12,031 records. The review found that approximately 9-15% of supplements were contaminated with prohibited substances.

How much of this paper we could read: full text read (0.70). We had a clear abstract, so the summary below closely tracks the paper. What this means →
Approximately 9-15% of commercially available supplements tested were contaminated with prohibited substances.2026

Abstract

The authors’ words, as europepmc supplied them

<h4>Introduction</h4>The proliferation of dietary supplement use among athletes has heightened concerns over inadvertent doping due to contamination with substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other undeclared pharmacological adulterants. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence on the prevalence, detection, and risks associated with sport supplement contamination. The review framework encompassed both explicitly prohibited doping agents and potent metabolic adulterants that pose significant regulatory and health risks.<h4>Methods</h4>Following PRISMA guidelines, 12,031 records were initially identified across Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, of which 44 studies met the inclusion criteria.<h4>Results</h4>Findings indicate that approximately 9-15% of commercially available supplements tested in empirical studies were contaminated with prohibited substances and unapproved pharmacological agents, predominantly stimulants and anabolic agents. Contamination was most frequently identified in pre-workout, weight-loss, and muscle-building products. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) emerged as the most widely used analytical method, followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and hybrid spectroscopic techniques, enabling high-sensitivity detection across diverse substance classes, including structural analogs and emerging metabolic markers.The findings highlight a critical gap between product labeling and actual chemical composition, posing a persistent threat to athlete integrity and public health.<h4>Discussion</h4>This review stresses the need for more stringent international manufacturing standards, expanded analytical screening protocols that account for emerging structural analogs, and enhanced athlete education to mitigate the risk of unintentional doping.

Background

The paper addresses the clinical and regulatory concerns regarding the presence of undeclared substances in dietary supplements, which can pose significant risks to athletes. Prior research has indicated that many supplements may contain banned substances, leading to potential health risks and violations of sports regulations. This study is important as it aims to quantify the prevalence and identify the substances commonly found in these products.

Methods

This systematic review analyzed data from multiple studies focusing on dietary supplements used by athletes. The specific number of studies included, the total sample size, and the methodologies employed were not detailed in the abstract. The review aimed to summarize findings related to the prevalence and detection of prohibited substances.

Results

Not reported in abstract.

Interpretation

Due to the lack of specific findings related to MK-677, it is difficult to compare this review's outcomes to existing literature on this peptide. Without clear data, it is not possible to assess the clinical significance or implications for practice regarding MK-677. The absence of detailed results limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the safety and prevalence of this substance in dietary supplements.

Key findings

  • Not reported in abstract.

Limitations

  • Not reported in abstract.
  • No specific data on MK-677 prevalence or risks.
  • Lack of detailed methodology and sample size information.

Elsewhere in the MK-677 (Ibutamoren) corpus

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