Several Shotz products were recently tested by a third party testing lab, to ensure safety for our Australian Athletes competing in Rio.
Testing revealed that the sample of Shotz Cappuccino Energy Gel contained Phenylethylamine - a stimulant (S6) that is banned in competition. It is important to note that Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a naturally occurring substance found in some foods, including cocoa. PEA is metabolised very quickly, and so it is unlikely to cause a positive urine sample. Additionally, ASADA were unable to advise of any analytical threshold that would be applied, but advised that lab testing was geared towards the detection of 'relatively high levels' of PEA in using samples. Despite the unlikely event of an athlete testing positive, the advice received from the testing lab was for athletes to avoid using caffeinated Cappuccino Energy Shotz gels in competition.
Please note that testing was also conducted on Shotz electrolyte tablets, Cola-Vanilla caffeinated gels, protein bars, and some flavours of non-caffeinated gels, with no adverse findings. Therefore, athletes should not be deterred from using Shotz products (other than the Cappuccino gel). This is because the PEA has come from the flavouring used in the Cappuccino gels.
If you have any queries or concerns about this or any of the supplements that you are using, please speak with your VIS Sports Dietitian ASAP.
