IV infusions for recuperation, recovery and lifestyle purposes are being advertised to athletes. However, the use of intravenous fluids in a sporting environment must comply with the World Anti-Doping Code.
According to the Prohibited List all IV infusions and/or injections of more than 100ml per 12-hour period are prohibited at all times except for those legitimately received in a received in hospital, such as during surgery, or for a medical investigation.
This means that athletes can be sanctioned for receiving an IV, even if it is for a non-prohibited substance such as, for example, Vitamin B.
We asked our Chief Science Officer Dr Naomi Speers about what this means for athletes.