Starting Jan. 20, use of the bodybuilding substance androstenedione, commonly known as “andro,” is not only illegal; it can also end your naval career.

On Oct. 22, 2004, the President signed Senate Bill 2195, otherwise known as the “Andro Ban.” The law adds 18 substances to the list of banned anabolic steroids in Sec. 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 802).

Among the 18, the crackdown on “andro” is seemingly the most significant.

Before the ban, “andro” was widely used throughout the bodybuilding community.  It gained national notoriety after baseball star, Mark McGuire said he used the substance during the 1998 baseball season; the same year he broke the league’s single-season homerun record.

“Andro” is a testosterone precursor, which many athletes say enhances their performance. However, studies have shown that the substance can cause serious liver and heart damage.

Until recently, consumers could purchase “andro” at virtually any health and fitness store, as well as the Navy Exchange.  However, it’s now classified as a schedule III controlled substance, similar to other anabolic steroids.

Under Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, wrongful use, possession, manufacture or introduction of a controlled substance carries a maximum of five years imprisonment and a dishonorable discharge. Distribution of these substances carries a maximum of 15 years confinement.

This is not a Navy or Department of Defense policy, this is a federal law, which applies to everyone.

“For folks who have “andro” or any schedule III controlled substance on their shelves, I highly suggest they get rid of it,” said Legalman 1st Class David Rodriguez, a spokesman for Navy Region Northwest’s Legal Services Office.  “Also, I’d advise anyone currently using bodybuilding supplements to take a look at the ingredients to ensure they don’t inadvertently find themselves in hot water.”

For more information on legal and illegal bodybuilding supplements, contact your local installation’s health advisor.