"Dangerous" muscle-building drugs, known as SARMS, are being illegally sold in shops across the UK, according to a BBC investigation.

Doctors have warned that these substances can cause erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and liver problems.

The undercover investigation by the BBC found that SARMS were widely available in shops selling bodybuilding supplements and online.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called for tighter regulations in response to these findings.

SARMS, which stands for selective androgen receptor modulators, are drugs that mimic the effects of anabolic steroids, enhancing muscle mass and strength.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) categorizes SARMS as "unauthorized novel food" that should not be consumed. Selling them in the UK is considered a criminal offense.

Originally developed as experimental drugs to treat muscle-wasting conditions, SARMS have gained popularity among gym-goers who want to build muscle and lose fat.

The full range of potential side effects from SARMS is still not known, but some doctors warn that they may have more severe side effects than steroids.

Laura Wilson from the RPS stated that observed side effects include disrupted hormone levels, liver problems, and breast tissue development in men. She advised against taking SARMS.

The BBC interviewed individuals as young as 19 who claimed that using SARMS had harmed their physical and mental health.

Despite not being approved for use, SARMS are easily accessible from online sellers based in the UK and abroad. The BBC investigation also revealed that they are openly sold over the counter in shops.

Undercover reporters visited 10 shops across the UK, seeking advice on products to enhance their physique. While some initially recommended protein shakes, all the retailers eventually advised the use of SARMS and sold the products to the reporters.

While one seller in Yorkshire claimed not to recommend SARMS, they still sold them. Another seller in the West Midlands commented that SARMS were not strictly for human consumption but were effective.

When asked about side effects, the seller mentioned the possibility of lowered testosterone but assured that everything should be fine.

Upon being contacted by the BBC for comment, the business claimed that it trained its staff on compliance and legality and would never advise anyone to take SARMS. They stated that if they suspect someone intends to consume SARMS, they refuse the sale immediately.

Another retailer in Merseyside told a BBC reporter that while each tub of SARMS carried disclaimers such as "not for human consumption" or "research purposes only," in reality, "everybody's taking SARMS." They added that as an independent retailer, they can sell SARMS without being on the radar for enforcement.

The cost of the SARMS products sold was approximately £40 for 60 pills, to be taken once or twice daily.

The BBC reached out to all the shops for their responses. While not all responded, those that did expressed confusion about the regulations. One shop in Lincolnshire claimed to have stopped selling SARMS after the BBC visit and sought guidance from the FSA.

The lack of regulation surrounding SARMS means that consumers can never be certain about the products they are purchasing, warns the RPS.

Rhys Bryant from Hull was 20 years old when he bought pills online marketed as SARMS, only to receive a different performance-enhancing drug. He experienced disturbed sleep, mood swings, erectile dysfunction, and a complete loss of sex drive within two weeks of taking the drugs. Although he stopped taking the pills after a month, the side effects persisted. He was concerned that his health would not return to normal.

During a BBC Radio 5 Live phone-in, a caller named Daniel from Leeds revealed that he had thrown away the bottle of SARMS he had been taking for a week due to severe headaches. He stated that he would not be taking any more.

A personal trainer named Sam from Maidstone stated that he had considered taking SARMS until learning about the BBC investigation. He had not realized they were illegal due to their widespread use in the fitness community. Sam believed they were safe because everyone else was using them.

Laura Wilson from the RPS called for further research into SARMS and their impact. She emphasized the danger SARMS pose to those who take them and urged for tighter regulations and better control over their sale.

In a statement, the FSA reiterated that SARMS are not authorized for sale in the UK and should not be consumed. They urged consumers to report any instances of SARMS being sold to the Food Standards Agency or their local authority.

David Pickering from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute pledged to work with the FSA to identify and remove any SARMS supplements found on sale to protect consumers. Photo by MorgueFile : see [1], Wikimedia commons.