Heavy metals found in underground steroids pose major health risks like kidney damage, lung cancer and more to young adults: Report
A new
Australian study
reveals shocking evidence: most anabolic steroid products sold on the black market are mislabelled, and worse, many contain toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These impurities could silently contribute to cancer, organ damage, and long-term cognitive decline. As steroid use continues to grow, especially among gym-goers, urgent health warnings and harm-reduction strategies are now more essential than ever.
Steroids contaminated with heavy metals; study reveals
A recent study conducted in Australia tested 28 underground steroid products sourced from gym-goers and online vendors. These included:
16 injectable oil-based products
10 oral steroid tablets
2 raw powders
Testing by an independent forensic lab revealed more than half were mislabelled or did not contain the expected drug. In some cases, products labeled as testosterone contained entirely different—and often stronger—steroids like trenbolone. Others had lower-than-claimed dosages, such as oxandrolone tablets containing only 6.8mg instead of the promised 10mg.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Top Public Speaking Course for Children
Planet Spark
Book Now
Undo
Only four products matched the expected compound and dosage accuracy. Even more alarming, every product tested contained traces of toxic heavy metals, including: Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium.
How heavy metals in underground steroids pose serious long term health risks
While these metals were within daily exposure limits in isolated doses, steroid users often stack drugs and cycle over weeks or months, rapidly exceeding safe levels. These toxins can accumulate in the body and result in serious long-term health effects:
Lead: Brain and cardiovascular damage
Arsenic: Proven links to skin, liver, and lung cancers
Cadmium: Causes kidney damage and bone density loss
This slow build-up can silently fuel cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline in unsuspecting users.
The presence of heavy metals in underground steroids is usually due to poor manufacturing practices, especially in factories based in countries with lax regulations like China. Contaminated solvents, unclean synthesis equipment, and impure raw materials introduce toxins into the final product.
Without quality control or independent lab testing, consumers have no way of knowing what they're putting into their bodies.
What are anabolic steroids and why are they popular
Anabolic steroids are synthetic compounds that mimic testosterone, the male sex hormone responsible for muscle growth, strength, and certain masculine traits. While doctors may prescribe them for conditions like hypogonadism or severe muscle loss, they are widely misused to enhance body image, athletic performance, or mood.
In Australia, possessing steroids without a prescription is illegal and punishable with fines or up to 25 years in prison, depending on jurisdiction.
Yet, their availability through online suppliers or informal gym networks remains widespread—especially among young men and women eager for rapid transformations.
How steroids are typically used and misunderstood
Steroids come in different forms: oral tablets, injectable oils, and even raw powders. Many users assume these products are safe if dosed correctly. However, without regulation or quality checks, underground steroid manufacturing is often sloppy and dangerous.
The misconception that these substances are harmless if 'used smartly' can mask the real risk of contamination, mislabeling, and toxic impurities.
Why steroid harm persists
Unlike recreational drugs, which are now often tested at festivals for safety, anabolic steroids require complex chemical analysis that cannot be done quickly or cheaply on-site. As a result, there's currently no widespread testing available for users outside of research settings in countries like Australia and Switzerland.
Experts recommend:
National steroid surveillance and testing programs
Integration of steroid testing within needle-and-syringe exchanges
Accessible community-based testing services for gym-goers
Peer-led education campaigns designed by and for steroid users
Evidence-based harm reduction strategies led by both clinicians and lived-experience experts
Also Read |
Alzheimer's before 65? Understand the major symptoms and causes of early-onset disease one shouldn't ignore
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
Serena Williams opens up about childbirth complications; what is pulmonary embolism, and what should women know?
Source: X/ Serena Williams Serena Williams had fatal complications after giving birth to her daughter Olympia via emergency C-section. Speaking to People as part of her work with health brand Ritual, the 23-time Grand Slam champion reflected on that near-death experience and the importance of listening to your body. 'I want other women to know: you're not alone. Your body is always talking to you. Listen to it. Trust it,' Williams said, as quoted by People. After the birth, Williams developed a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition in which a blood clot blocks a lung artery. She had to demand care repeatedly before doctors took her concerns seriously. 'After giving birth, I knew something was wrong, but I had to fight to be believed. Not everyone gets that chance,' she told Vogue in 2018. Williams has also dealt with a branchial cyst, another health issue she says could've gone unnoticed had she not learned to advocate for herself. 'I've spent my whole life learning about my body—on the court, through pregnancy, through recovery,' she said. 'I've had to fight to be heard, even when I knew something was wrong.' Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of maternal deaths According to Cleveland Clinic, pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that can arise during or after pregnancy, especially following a C-section. In the US, PE is responsible for approximately 5.7% of maternal deaths, making it one of the most dangerous postpartum complications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo A PE occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking an artery. During pregnancy, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases, especially in the lower extremities, and these clots can migrate to the lungs if not caught early. Symptoms can include: sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, coughing (possibly with blood), and or swelling or pain in one leg. Because many of these overlap with normal pregnancy symptoms, diagnosis can be tricky. Doctors often rely on patient history, blood tests, and imaging like CT scans or ultrasounds to confirm PE. Risk factors Some of the key risk factors for PE during or after pregnancy include: Obesity (BMI over 30, especially 40+) History of blood clots or DVT Twin pregnancies C-sections Certain medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome Genetic clotting disorders
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
International self-care day: 10 easy mental self-care habits to follow
Self-care isn't just bubble baths and face masks, it's about caring for your mind, too. Especially on International Self-Care Day, it's worth checking in with yourself and asking: 'What kind of care does my mind actually need today?' Mental self-care can be as simple as taking a few conscious breaths, setting a small boundary, or sprinkling in a kind thought. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Here are 10 easy mental self-care habits that cost nothing, take little time, and fuel your peace even on the busiest days. Wake up with one kind thought Imagine starting each morning with a mindful pause. Before diving into emails or social media, take 30 seconds and think something like: 'I'm allowed to feel proud of making it this far.' You're not ignoring real emotions; you're greeting the day gently. Small moments like this send your mind the message: You matter. Check in with yourself midday Studies may say to eat every few hours, but what about emotional hunger? Lunch often happens hurriedly, if at all. Try this: Around midday, pause. Take two deep breaths. Ask, 'What do I feel right now? Tired? Grateful? Uncertain?' No judgment, just noticing. Then, do one small thing your emotional self craves: step outside, text a friend, or read something soothing. Create a 'Brain Dump' ritual Before bed tonight or right after work, grab a piece of paper or your phone and write down everything swirling in your mind: Worries, ideas, reminders, regrets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo Don't edit. Once it's there, your brain feels less like a noisy roommate. This helps your racing mind settle and sleep come more easily, knowing your thoughts are safe and noted. Revisit a comforting memory Mental health isn't only about managing stress, it's also about nurturing warmth. Close your eyes and recall a moment that made your heart feel full: laughing with a friend, savoring dessert, watching a sunset. Let yourself feel it again. It's like pressing replay on the cozy parts of your life and your brain will thank you. Change your scenery even briefly You don't have to go anywhere grand. When your mind feels stuck or restless, step outside. A few minutes of fresh air, a park bench, or even a balcony stare can reset you. Our brains love novelty, even a sliver of green or the feeling of sunlight on your skin. It can wake your mood, clear your head, or simply remind you that there's more to life than your current worries. Create a 'Pause Phrase' When your mind races about what went wrong or spirals into 'what ifs,' give yourself a simple mental pause. It could be, 'That's enough,' or 'This can wait.' A phrase like this helps you step out of autopilot and reminds you that your mind doesn't always get to run the show. Your words reclaim your focus and your calm. Do one tiny creative thing Being creative doesn't mean painting a masterpiece. It's about letting your mind play. Doodle a shape, fold a paper airplane, rip paper squares into a collage, or bake something without a recipe. That creative spark reminds your brain it's not just here to think, it's here to feel, explore, and enjoy. Limit one source of negativity On this Self-Care Day, pick just one. Maybe you scroll social media for a minute too long, read disparaging news stories, or replay a harsh email in your head. Replace that pull with something calming instead: An uplifting podcast, a photo you love, or a three-minute stretch. Small shifts often bring the biggest relief. Give yourself a compliment We're often kinder to others than ourselves, aren't we? Mental self-care means changing that. Say it out loud (or whisper in your head): 'You handled that hard call with grace today.' 'You've come a long way.' Honest praise, even small, reminds our minds that we're capable and enough. Set a small boundary before bed Sleep is restorative, but if your brain's buzzing at night, bedtime becomes frantic. Tonight, decide: 'No emails after 8 pm,' or 'Ten minutes of phone-free time before lights out.' Choose something easy that gives your mind space to wind down. Consistent little boundaries like this build better mental routines and reclaim personal time. Putting it all together None of these ideas requires a spa day or even much time. You don't need to claim a weekend away or buy self-care products. What matters is showing up: Hearing your mind's needs and responding with kindness. And remember, self-care isn't selfish, it's foundational. Try picking two or three of these habits today or tomorrow. Notice what feels true, what helps you breathe easier. Celebrate when it works. And if something fails, say, you forgot to do the brain dump, just try again. Every attempt is a gift to your mind. On International Self-Care Day, give your brain permission to rest, reset, and reclaim peace. You deserve that. And every day after, your mind will thank you for it.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
From ‘dum' to diet: Your biryani is less unhealthy now
1 2 K olkata: With biryani sales zooming across Kolkata's restaurants, the latter are now scurrying to make it 'healthy' to get more people to bypass diet restrictions and savour it. While a leading biryani chain launched a 'diabetic-friendly' biryani rustled up with help from dieticians, several others are restricting the use of oil, sugar, and spices and using special rice to make 'healthy' biryani. Oudh 1590 on Wednesday launched a 'diabetic-friendly' biryani made with parboiled rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and soya bean chunks. Curated by dietician and nutritionist Nidhi Prakash, it is low on sugar, saturated fat, and cholesterol content, Prakash claimed. Other than diabetics, it will also allow Kolkata's growing health-conscious population to enjoy rich Awadhi flavours with mindful nutrition, said Shiladitya Chaudhury, owner and co-founder of Oudh 1590. "In Bengal, rice is the staple food and people love biryani. Usually, biryani is made with white rice, potato, chicken/mutton, oil, and spices. The idea of preparing diabetic biryani came to me some six months ago and I started working on it, reducing the glycemic index and load of white rice-based biryani. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like IQ Worldwide - Test your Intelligence, know your IQ Score Try Now Undo I decided to use parboiled rice and replaced potato with sweet potato. Veg biryani was made using soya chunks and lots of vegetables. With such modifications, diabetics can enjoy this biryani without significantly impacting their blood sugar level," said Prakash. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Aminia has launched a 'diet biryani' that uses fewer spices and sugar. "We started customizing biryani for those who have diet restrictions. We deliver bulk orders with this specially made biryani that also has less rice and more vegetables. At all our outlets, we customize biryani for those who want it made in a special way. It takes a little longer to prepare though," said Kabir Azhar of Aminia. At Riyasat, the Mughlai outlet of Specialty Restaurants, biryani is made using the 'sous vide' method in which ingredients are vacuum-sealed in a bag and cooked in a controlled, low-temperature water bath. "We use pure ghee which has low-fat content, mild spices including real jafran, and ensure minimalistic use of oil with good LDL that cuts out the unhealthy aspect of biryani. Then, we cook our meat in the sous vide method using very little oil so that we don't have to fry it," said Anjan Chatterjee, founder & MD, Specialty Restaurants. Easy availability and the fact that it's a rice-based dish have led Kolkatans to fall for biryani in a big way, said Hotel and Restaurants' Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) president Sudesh Poddar. "We started keeping a watch on ingredients since more elderly people now have it and often want it to be less oily," said Poddar, also the owner of Songhai and Manthan. "At Oudh 1590, we believe fine dining should be inclusive and conscious. There are many who crave biryani but have health issues. Now, they can savour our authentic Awadhi cuisine with a healthy twist to our much-loved biryanis," said Chaudhury.
