Certain studies have found that testosterone boosters could show in your urine and cause a failed drug test.
Testosterone concentration refers to the amount of testosterone present in a person's blood, typically measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). It is an important parameter for assessing hormonal balance, reproductive health, and overall well-being in both men and women. Testosterone concentration can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, time of day, and individual health conditions.
These reports have raised my concerns as a professional fitness trainer because taking a T booster helps my clients take their workouts to the next level.
I have conducted several surveys, analyses, and in-depth research to put these claims to the test and determine if using testosterone boosters will cause you to fail a drug test.
In this article, I will share with you a summary of my extensive research. Let's get started.
Quick Summary
- A testosterone booster cannot make you fail a drug test because most MIPS can extract each ingredient and determine which you are using.
- Some potential triggers for a false positive drug test include hemp, coca tea, and B-complex vitamins.
- Taking legal or natural testosterone boosters will help avoid failing a drug test.
Will Testosterone Booster Show Up In Urine Tests?
Testosterone boosters can show up in urine tests, depending on the detection method and how much testosterone has been taken.
Anabolic steroids can be detected in urine for days to weeks after the last dose, depending on the steroids taken.
Because some anabolic steroids are extensively metabolized, identification is based on a metabolite rather than the parent drug [1].
If steroids are taken orally, they can be detected in a urine test for up to 14 days.
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Because oral administration of T supplements results in rapid pharmacokinetics, urine samples must be collected within the first few hours after ingestion to obtain accurate results.
If steroids are injected, they can be detected for up to a month. The modern laboratory technology developed for detecting testosterone in urine samples appears more practical when administered intramuscularly [2].
The Difference Between Legal Testosterone Steroids And Anabolic Steroids
There are two types of external testosterone sources: legal steroids and anabolic steroids.
Legal steroids, popularly accepted as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), are over-the-counter (OTC). It's a general term for legitimate supplements that are formulated to help improve workout performance in bodybuilding.
On the other hand, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic variants of the male sex hormone testosterone.
While doctors prescribe some anabolic steroids for specific medical conditions, the bulk of anabolic steroids are obtained illegally and without a prescription [3].
Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts use steroids to increase testosterone levels above the average to achieve their body goals faster.
How Do Supplements Cause Failed Drug Tests?
Like some over-the-counter dietary supplements, performance-enhancing testosterone supplements may cause lab drug tests to fail due to certain ingredients.
Certain ingredients and artificial substances in these supplements may cause a false positive reading when lab drug analysts examine a person's body fluids for the presence of drugs or illegal substances.
Potential Triggers To A False Positive Drug Test
Here are some ingredients that are considered possible triggers of a false positive DT:
1. Hemp
Hemp is made up of small brown seeds that grow on the Cannabis sativa plant. They contain less than 0.3 percent THC, marijuana's primary psychoactive compound, which can accumulate in your fat cells and last for up to 5 weeks if you consume hemp products [4]. CBD oil, for example.
CBD oil, or Cannabidiol, is made from stalks, leaves, and flowers and is beneficial for both pre-and post-workout.
2. B-complex vitamins
Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin, known to be added in some pre-workouts, may be made from hemp seed oil and may cause traces of THC (marijuana) to show up on a drug test [5].
Also, Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, has been linked to a false positive drug screen [6].
Although more research is needed to prove this claim, the FDA has issued a Safety Communication stating that taking high levels of biotin can significantly interfere with some lab tests, leading to false results [7].
3. Coca Tea
Coca tea is made from the same plant that produces cocaine.
Cocaine metabolites can be detected in urine samples for at least 20 hours after consumption of the beverage. As a result, coca tea drinkers are bound to test positive for cocaine in a urine drug test [8].
It's important for individuals who consume coca tea to be aware that the presence of cocaine metabolites in their urine samples could potentially lead to false-positive results in urine drug tests.
How to Avoid These Triggers?
There are numerous factors to consider before taking a drug test. It's best to avoid taking over-the-counter supplements, especially a few hours before the urine test.
It will also help if you consume the recommended serving size and do not overdo it.
Another factor is to avoid foods, medications, and other substances that may cause a false positive reading of a drug test [9].
Alternatively, avoid them altogether a week before the test to prevent any risks of failure due to the low drug test cutoff level, where even a trace of substance can result in a positive result.
The bottom line, you can save yourself the time and stress of taking a drug test that may produce inaccurate results if you avoid them as preparation for your urine test.
Does Taking Testosterone Supplements Cause a False Positive Drug Test?
Testosterone and other multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) may cause a false positive drug test.
However, because most MIPS uses a non-proprietary blend formula, every ingredient and its exact amount is fully disclosed, they are more likely to be safe than anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS).
Synthetic versions of steroids are mostly illegal due to misuse and abuse.
Some evidence suggests that they are contaminated with prohibited drugs that are not listed on the label.
Though AAS may also aim to improve physical performance and appearance, testosterone supplements are a better legitimate option due to their proven, organic, high-quality natural ingredients that help boost T levels and overall health.
So, if you want to take your workout to the next level while avoiding the risk of failing a drug test, taking legal or natural testosterone supplements is your best option.
References:
- https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Manuals/
- https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/anabolic-steroids
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/za1277
- https://www.ororecovery.com/
- https://www.singlecare.com/blog/
- https://www.ehealthme.com/ds/biotin/
- https://www.drugtopics.com/view/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705900/
- https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/
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