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Mildronate Dihydricum and Doping in Sports: An Overview
Doping in sports has been a controversial topic for decades, with athletes constantly seeking ways to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. One substance that has gained attention in recent years is Mildronate dihydricum, also known as Meldonium. This drug has been at the center of several high-profile doping cases, raising questions about its effectiveness and potential for abuse. In this article, we will provide an overview of Mildronate dihydricum and its role in doping in sports.
What is Mildronate Dihydricum?
Mildronate dihydricum is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by the Latvian pharmaceutical company Grindeks. It is primarily used to treat heart conditions such as angina and heart failure, as well as other cardiovascular diseases. The active ingredient in Mildronate dihydricum is Meldonium, which works by increasing the body’s production of carnitine, a compound that helps the body convert fat into energy.
While Mildronate dihydricum has been used for decades in Eastern Europe and Russia, it gained widespread attention in 2016 when several high-profile athletes, including tennis star Maria Sharapova and swimmer Yulia Efimova, tested positive for the drug. This led to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) adding Mildronate dihydricum to its list of banned substances, citing its potential to enhance athletic performance. 
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Mildronate Dihydricum
In order to understand how Mildronate dihydricum may affect athletic performance, it is important to examine its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 3-6 hours, meaning it is quickly eliminated from the body.
One of the main mechanisms of action of Mildronate dihydricum is its ability to increase the body’s production of carnitine. This can lead to improved energy metabolism and increased endurance, which may explain why some athletes believe it can enhance their performance. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
Effects on Athletic Performance
While there is some anecdotal evidence that Mildronate dihydricum may improve athletic performance, there is currently no scientific data to support this claim. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (Kulikov et al. 2017) found that Mildronate dihydricum had no significant effect on physical performance in healthy individuals.
Furthermore, the WADA has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Mildronate dihydricum provides any performance-enhancing benefits. In fact, the agency has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of the drug, as it can be easily obtained without a prescription in some countries.
Doping Cases and Controversy
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, Mildronate dihydricum has been at the center of several high-profile doping cases in recent years. In addition to Sharapova and Efimova, other athletes who have tested positive for the drug include cyclist Eduard Vorganov and biathlete Olga Abramova. These cases have sparked controversy and debate about the use of Mildronate dihydricum in sports.
One of the main arguments against the use of Mildronate dihydricum in sports is that it can mask the use of other banned substances. This is because the drug can increase the excretion of certain substances, making them more difficult to detect in drug tests. This has raised concerns about the fairness of competition and the potential for athletes to gain an unfair advantage.
Expert Opinion
While there is still much debate surrounding the use of Mildronate dihydricum in sports, experts in the field of sports pharmacology have expressed their concerns about the drug. Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned anti-doping expert, has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Mildronate dihydricum provides any performance-enhancing benefits. He also believes that the drug should not be used in sports due to its potential for abuse and masking of other banned substances.
Dr. Catlin’s sentiments are echoed by other experts, including Dr. Olivier Rabin, Senior Executive Director of Science and Research at WADA. In an interview with CNN (2016), Dr. Rabin stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of Mildronate dihydricum in sports and that it should be banned due to its potential for abuse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mildronate dihydricum has gained attention in the world of sports due to its potential to enhance athletic performance. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim, and the drug has been banned by the WADA due to concerns about its potential for abuse and masking of other banned substances. While there may be ongoing debate about the use of Mildronate dihydricum in sports, it is important for athletes to adhere to anti-doping regulations and prioritize their health and well-being above any potential performance-enhancing benefits.
References
CNN. (2016). Meldonium: What is it and how does it affect the body? Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/08/health/meldonium-mildronate-doping-explainer/index.html
Kulikov, A., Kuznetsov, A., Zueva, E., & Kuznetsova, O. (2017). The effect of Mildronate dihydricum on physical working capacity of healthy individuals under physical load. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 16(1), 1-7.
