This paper summarizes the findings of a study undertaken at LGC to investigate the prevalence of substituted phenethylamines, the link between supplement label versus actual phenethylamine content and the concentrations within these supplements.

Phenethylamine is a naturally occurring amine which acts as a central nervous system stimulant. The chemical shares structural similarities with a range of other compounds, including substituted phenethylamines which contain additional structural groups (e.g. amphetamine).

Substituted phenethylamines are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes in competitive sport (Prohibited List 2024, S6B, Specified Stimulants, Phenethylamine and its derivatives5), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continually assesses botanical ingredients and other additives to products. Therefore, their inclusion within supplement products not only poses a risk to elite athletes subject to doping control, they also pose a risk to health.

For athletes subject to doping control, this study demonstrates the importance of ensuring that the supplements they use have been subject to a rigorous testing program such as Informed Sport or Informed Choice. LGC retains its position as the market leader in this area due to a commitment to the continuous development of intelligence-led testing, combined with ongoing research and development activity.

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