Crazy use of NSAIDs by Triathletes

Crazy use of NSAIDs by Triathletes

Reference:Gorski T et al Use of NSAIDs in triathletes: prevalence, level of awareness and reasons for use. Sports Med. 2011 Feb;45(2):85-90.

The 2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon competitors from across the world were surveyed on their use of NSAIDs. Here is what they revealed:

 26% of the athletes consumed NSAIDs the day before (that’s one in four!).

 64% took NSAIDs right before or during the race for pain prevention (that’s two out of three!)

Interestingly half of them took the NSAIDs without a medical prescription.

Personal Comment: Knowing what I know about the potential side-effects of NSAIDs, I would avoid it unless absolutely necessary; but some athletes seem to take NSAIDs like candy!

Posted on: August 23, 2014

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