Fitness and health are perennial objects of concern for people. Consider how many people make New Year's resolutions to get fit or eat healthier. Many even join gyms or healthy food subscription services.
Among those who stay active and fit, though, there is always the possibility of plateauing. No matter what you do, you can't seem to gain any more muscle mass. Some people use supplements to help them in this situation.
In recent years, SARMs have become a popular choice of supplement. Unfortunately, there is a lingering question: Are SARMs legal? Keep reading to find out what you need to know.
What Are SARMs?
SARMs are a type of drug that works on the body somewhat like an anabolic steroid. They encourage muscle growth by affecting male hormone receptors.
The main distinction between traditional steroids and SARMs is that SARMs affect specific tissues instead of the whole body. Despite this distinction, SARMs side effects can prove serious. Some reported side effects include liver toxicity, higher blood pressures, and even anecdotal reports of vision issues.
Are SARMs Legal? Yes...Sort of
Lots of companies sell SARMs, typically through online stores. When you see these SARMs for sale, it's natural to wonder if they legal. Companies that make or distribute SARMs can sell them legally as research chemicals.
The driving idea is that SARMs can have legitimate uses in a lab setting. After all, the original discovery of SARMs came about as part of medical research projects. While that research didn't pan out, it stands to reason scientists could find other applications for it.
If you're wondering if SARMs are legal to order, they are if you order them as research chemicals.
Are SARMs Legal? No...Sort of
Where SARMs get tricky is when companies offer them as dietary supplements. The FDA does not endorse SARMs for human use. This stems in part from the fact that the FDA never conducted a formal review of SARMs and partly from the reported negative SARMs side effects.
That means that any company that offers SARMs directly as a dietary supplement is, in effect, selling an illegal product. The distinction might seem frivolous, but it's not.
Unlike research chemicals, the only real use for dietary supplements is human use. Selling them can get companies in hot water with the FDA, get products seized, and lead to other legal actions.
SARMs, Legality, and You
SARMs work on the body in some of the same ways as steroids. That offer people the possibility of adding some muscle when more traditional methods fail.
The question of are sarms legal doesn't lend itself to any simple answer. SARMs are legal when sold as research chemicals. They are not legal when sold as supplements.
As to the issue of whether you can buy SARMs legally, you can buy them legally as research chemicals. Since their production goes largely unregulated, it's a personal choice about whether or not you want to consume them.
Looking for more fitness tips and info? Check out the articles in our Fitness section.
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