Iran FDA warns against unauthorized sports supplement sales

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Iran has issued a warning regarding the unauthorized sale of various sports supplement brands through unofficial channels, including social media, gyms, and unregulated online stores. The agency clarified that while certain brands are being flagged for illegal distribution in informal markets, this does not mean all products under these brand names are inherently unauthorized; rather, it highlights the risk of counterfeit or unverified goods being sold outside official channels.

Shahram Shoaybi, Director General of Natural, Traditional, and Supplement Products at the FDA, warned that supplements purchased from unregulated sources may lack necessary permits and authenticity labels. These products could be smuggled or produced in unauthorized facilities, potentially containing dangerous substances such as anabolic steroids, illegal stimulants, growth hormone analogs, or undisclosed weight-loss compounds.

Consuming these unauthorized supplements can lead to severe health issues, including liver and kidney damage, hormonal imbalances, infertility, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and increased diabetes risk. To ensure safety, officials urge citizens to purchase supplements exclusively from licensed pharmacies and to verify product authenticity by checking tracking codes through the T-Tick system.