Ergogenic Aids and Testing in Pediatric Athletes.

The article focuses on the use, effects, and testing of ergogenic aids—substances intended to enhance athletic performance—in pediatric athletes. It reviews various performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) including creatine, anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs), selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), clenbuterol, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), human growth hormone (rhGH), ephedrine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), caffeine, stimulants, and blood doping, highlighting their intended ergogenic purposes, potential adverse effects, and regulatory status. The article emphasizes that many of these substances lack sufficient safety and efficacy data in pediatric populations, are banned by major sports organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and may pose significant health risks. It concludes by underscoring the need for education of young athletes, parents, coaches, and clinicians about the risks of PEDs and calls for further research on their impact in pediatric sports contexts.