Step 1 : Introduction to the question "1. Dietary supplements are frequently used in sports. Which one of these supplements is illegal in professional bodybuilding?"
...1. Anabolic steroids 2. Protein shakes 3. Vitamin C 4. Multivitamins and minerals Good nutrition and a balanced training programme are essential for the development of the lean muscle mass that is the bodybuilder's goal. There are many supplements available in addition to those listed. Some bodybuilding supplements may help to maintain the greater demand for various nutrients placed on the body by the rigorous training regime: vitamin C can help to support a healthy immune system; shakes made from powdered protein from a variety of sources, mixed with water, milk or fruit juice, provide a readily-absorbed source of extra protein; multivitamin and mineral supplements can ensure that the body's need for micronutrients is optimised. Many other branches of sport use the same or similar dietary supplement regimes as bodybuilding. The use of anabolic steroids is now banned in most sports, although their use was legal in bodybuilding until about 1990. These steroids act by mimicking the body's natural male hormones, one effect of which is to increase protein synthesis particularly within muscle cells - a desirable effect for bodybuilders, but considered as cheating. Undesirable side effects of steroid use include banning from competition, and serious health problems such as kidney failure, heart disease and liver damage. The sensible participant in any sport, not just bodybuilding, will consult his or her physician before taking any medication or dietary supplements and will follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended doses. Some supplements can cause harm if taken in excess or over an extended time period.
