With the subject of doping in sport becoming more visible, athletes should understand that they have the ultimate responsibility for what substances and supplements they ingest into their bodies.

One of the hottest topics in the world of sport relates to the use of dietary supplements. These supplements are available in health-food and nutrition stores; however, they are not always safe and free of banned substances. The case is the same for many over-the-counter medicines.

This spring, a pair of former NCAA student-athletes tested positive at the USA Track and Field indoor championships. Robert Howard, formerly of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, tested positive for the use of ephedrine, which is in a special category of substances prohibited by the International Amateur Athletics Federation. Ephedrine is commonly found in over-the-counter supplements.

Also, former University of Florida track standout Hazel Clark tested positive for the banned substance pseudoephedrine, a prohibited substance under the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) rules. Pseudoephedrine is in a special category of prohibited substances in that it is commonly found in over-the-counter cold medications.

These two well-publicized cases show how athletes need to increase their awareness and knowledge of the banned list of substances. Some supplements are not banned, but the ingredients are not always included on the label of the product.

Dietary supplement use is prevalent among athletes. Claims of improved performance, quickened recovery periods and increased energy from products that are marketed and sold over the counter as safe and effective are confusing and often erroneous. Many of these compounds are not subject to the strict regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The ingredients in dietary supplements may not be accurately represented and may contain impurities or NCAA-banned substances. The use of dietary supplements without accurate knowledge of effects of ingredients may lead to serious adverse reactions and a positive NCAA drug test.

The National Center for Drug-Free Sport (http://www.drugfreesport.com/) specializes in athletics-specific, drug-testing program

support for the NCAA. Its mission is to help high schools, colleges, universities and other athletics organizations ensure drug-free environments.

The Center brings to the process an in-depth understanding of what is at stake for the athletes. The Center works with schools to:

* Deter banned substance use,

* Develop intervention and counseling services, and

* Minimize drug-use related problems.

The Center also has developed the Dietary Supplement Resource Exchange Center (REC) in conjunction with the NCAA specifically for gathering and disseminating accurate and current information on dietary supplements.

When athletes participate in noncollegiate national championships or international-level competitions, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) serves as the independent anti-doping agency in the United States. The USADA handles both out-of-competition and event testing and uses the International Olympic Committee and international federations' Prohibited Substances and Methods List.

Each national governing body (for example, USA Track and Field and USA Basketball) uses the IOC list; however, some differences exist (a document explaining such differences can be downloaded from the REC's Web site). The USADA recommends that athletes become familiar with their respective national governing body's and international federation's list of prohibited substances. Information from the USADA can be obtained via the Internet at www.usantidoping.org or by calling 866/601-2632.

The USADA is dedicated to preserving the well-being of sport, the integrity of competition and ensuring the health of athletes through research initiatives and educational programs. The USADA Drug Reference Line (800/233-0393) is available for athletes to ask questions.

Athletes should make sure they know what they are taking when it comes to over-the-counter substances and dietary supplements.

It is better to be safe than sorry.