WASHINGTON- Senator Chuck Grassley yesterday introduced legislation that would limit access to the performance-enhancing substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in an effort to decrease the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs by minors. The "Dehydroepiandrosterone Abuse Reduction Act of 2009" would impose civil penalties for anyone knowingly selling, causing to sell, or conspiring to sell a product containing DHEA to any individual under 18-years old without a prescription. The legislation does not limit the ability of individuals to obtain a prescription for lawful use of DHEA.
DHEA is a naturally-occurring precursor hormone to illegal anabolic steroids. It's also used as a dietary supplement that some athletes are turning to as an alternative to illegal anabolic steroids. Although many people use DHEA as an "anti-aging" supplement, it is being marketed online to young athletes for increased muscle mass. However, some studies show that when taken in high doses over time DHEA may cause liver damage or cancer. Most professional sports leagues, the NCAA, and the Olympics ban the use of DHEA.
"The ongoing reports of the vast use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports, especially Major League Baseball, illustrate the presence of a disturbing culture throughout all sports, including middle and high school," Grassley said. "Young athletes are especially vulnerable to falling into the traps of performance-enhancing drug abuse, and we must take the necessary steps to rid sports of these destructive drugs."
Grassley said he was alarmed by the accessibility minors have to purchase and possibly abuse the drug for performance-enhancing purposes. "This is all the more reason to pass my bill which makes it tougher for young athletes to obtain these potentially dangerous drugs," he said.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency along with the Coalition for Anabolic Steroid Precursor and Ephedra Regulation, which is comprised of the nation's leading medical, public health, and sports organizations have endorsed the "Dehydroepiandrosterone Abuse Reduction Act of 2009" legislation.
Grassley is the Co-Chairman of the International Narcotics Control Caucus. In addition to this legislation, Grassley has introduced legislation in previous Congresses that would add DHEA to the list of controlled substances.
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