From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against using Cardarine (GW-501516) for performance enhancement due to its significant safety concerns and lack of FDA approval. The use of Cardarine has been associated with multiple types of cancer in animal studies, and its potential side effects include liver stress, cardiovascular complications, and hormone disruption 1. Despite its reported benefits, such as increased endurance and improved fat burning, the risks associated with Cardarine far outweigh any potential benefits.
Key Points to Consider
- Cardarine is not FDA-approved for human use and was abandoned in clinical development due to safety concerns
- The compound has been shown to cause multiple types of cancer in animal studies
- Potential side effects include liver stress, cardiovascular complications, and hormone disruption
- Cardarine is banned by WADA and most sports organizations, posing a risk of disqualification and career damage for athletes
Alternatives for Performance Enhancement
- Structured training programs
- Proper nutrition
- Adequate recovery
- Consultation with sports medicine professionals about approved supplements or medications
Evidence-Based Recommendation
The principle of "unreasonable risk" should be applied when evaluating the use of performance-enhancing substances like Cardarine 1. Given the potential risks and lack of scientifically reliable support for its benefits, I recommend avoiding Cardarine and instead focusing on evidence-based methods for performance enhancement. Athletes should prioritize their health and safety by seeking guidance from sports medicine professionals and adhering to approved and regulated substances.
From the Research
Pros of Cardarine (GW-501516)
- Increases fat-burning capacity and muscle production by changing the body's fuel preference from glucose to lipids 2
- Improves lipid profiles, including increases in HDL cholesterol and reductions in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apoB 3
- May provide cardiovascular protection in metabolic syndrome-like patients by reducing the concentration of very LDL and intermediate-density lipoprotein particles 3
- Improves inflammatory state in white adipose tissue and liver damage in high-fructose-fed mice through modulation of the renin-angiotensin system 4
Cons of Cardarine (GW-501516)
- Can cause severe adverse effects, including cytolysis, rhabdomyolysis, and elevated liver enzymes, when used in combination with other substances like SARMs 5
- Is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to its potential for performance-enhancing purposes 2
- Can be abused for performance-enhancing purposes, and its use can be detected in hair, blood, and urine samples 2, 5
- May have negative effects on the liver, including increased ALT and AST levels, when used at high doses or in combination with other substances 5