by The use of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS) has gained much attention in the fitness industry in Canada and globally over the last decade. SARMS are an innovative class of compounds that have the ability to enhance muscle growth, improve strength, and increase bone density in a selective and specific manner. SARMS boast unique benefits when compared to traditional anabolic steroids and may have a broad range of applications in medicine and sports performance. In this article, we will take a closer look at are sarms legal in canada.
SARMS, or selective androgen receptor modulators, have been heavily debated within the fitness and athletics communities over the past few years. While traditional anabolic steroids have been linked to numerous health risks and side effects, SARMS are touted as a safer alternative that still delivers many of the performance-enhancing benefits. As a Canadian, I have been curious about the potential benefits of SARMS and what they could offer for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. In this article, I’ll dive into the science behind SARMS and explore their potential benefits, as well as share some insights on the current Canadian regulations around SARMS.
What are SARMS?
Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMS, are a type of performance-enhancing drug that work by selectively binding to androgen receptors in the body. This means they target specific areas of the body, such as muscles and bones, without impacting other organs or tissues. SARMS are often compared to traditional anabolic steroids, but they are said to be much safer due to their selective binding process.
What are the potential benefits of SARMS?
SARMS are currently being explored for a variety of potential benefits, including increased muscle mass, improved bone density, and enhanced fat loss. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that a specific SARM, known as Ostarine, improved lean muscle mass and muscle strength in older individuals without significant side effects. Another study, published in the journal Drug Test Analysis, found that another SARM called LGD 4033 increased muscle mass and decreased body fat in healthy young men. While more research is needed to explore the long-term effects, these initial studies show promising results.
What are the current Canadian regulations around SARMS?
In Canada, SARMS are classified as prescription drugs under the Food and Drugs Act. This means that they can only be legally sold and distributed with a prescription from a healthcare professional. However, SARMS are often sold illegally online or through supplement companies, which may not be producing products of the highest quality or purity. As a consumer, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with purchasing SARMS from unreliable sources.
Are SARMS safe to use?
While SARMS are touted as a safer alternative to traditional anabolic steroids, there is still much to learn about their long-term effects. Some known side effects of SARMS include decreased testosterone levels, liver toxicity, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. That being said, these risks may be lower for SARMS than for traditional steroids. As with any performance-enhancing drug or supplement, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before using SARMS to understand the risks and benefits.
- SARMS and Muscle Growth:
SARMS provide a targeted approach to enhance muscle growth, a crucial goal for many athletes and bodybuilders, without the negative side effects often associated with anabolic steroids. Unlike anabolic steroids, SARMS act more selectively on muscle and bone tissue and do not cause the same magnitude of hormonal fluctuations. When administered to subjects undergoing resistance exercise, various SARMS have shown to increase muscle mass and strength, particularly in the lower body. Clinical trials have also shown that SARMS can improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women.
- SARMS and Injury Recovery:
SARMS have shown promise in aiding recovery from injuries since they can stimulate muscle growth and healing of damaged tissue. Studies have demonstrated that SARMS can enhance ACL and rotator cuff repair when administered post-surgery. Moreover, SARMS could reduce time to recovery from muscle strains and tears, which makes them an attractive option for athletes looking to return to training quickly. SARMS also have the added benefit of reducing muscle wasting and overall weakness in conditions such as cancer cachexia and sarcopenia.
- SARMS and Weight Loss:
SARMS may help promote fat loss, particularly when combined with a proper diet and exercise program. Taking an example of Ostarine, it enhances the body’s ability to burn fat, which can lead to improved body composition results. One study investigating the effects of Ostarine on body composition outcomes noted that the drug increases lean muscle mass while decreasing body fat. Another study found that Ostarine positively affects lipid and glucose metabolism, which could be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
- SARMS and Testosterone Replacement Therapy:
When testosterone levels in the body become low, men might experience symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue, and mood swings. SARMS are emerging as a viable alternative to testosterone replacement therapy in such cases. Enobosarm is a particularly promising SARM for testosterone replacement therapy, as clinical trials have shown that it can improve lean body mass and physical function as well as reduce fat mass in older men with age-associated sarcopenia.
- SARMS and Competitive Sports:
Since SARMS are relatively new to the market, they are not yet banned in most sporting leagues globally, including those in Canada. Athletes and bodybuilders looking for a performance boost without fear of failing doping tests could turn to SARMS as a solution. However, we should point out that some sports leagues have recent changed their anti-doping policies, and SARMS have been put on their banned substance list. While it might be tempting to use SARMS for achieving a competitive edge, we strongly advise against it because of potential health complications and ethical concerns.
Conclusion:
SARMS are emerging as a promising class of compounds that could provide several benefits for people with different fitness goals, from improving muscle growth and strength to aiding injury recovery. SARMS’s versatility and relatively minimal side effects make them a viable option for athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance their progress without the use of anabolic steroids. While the long-term effects of SARMS are still being studied, initial evidence suggests they have great potential in the medical and sports fields. It’s essential to use these compounds under the guidance of a licensed physician or qualified trainer, and we caution athletes against using SARMS for performance-enhancing.
In conclusion, SARMS are a subject of much debate within the fitness and athletics communities. While there is still much to learn about their long-term effects, initial research shows promising results for increased muscle mass and other benefits. As a Canadian, it is important to be aware of the current regulations around SARMS and to only purchase from trusted sources. If you are considering using SARMS, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to understand the risks and benefits and to make an informed decision about your health and fitness goals.
