The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a campaign warning people about the dangers of illegal sports supplements in the run up to the Olympic games.

The campaign aims to highlight the health dangers associated with using illegal sports supplements, from kidney failure and seizures to heart problems.

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	An MHRA investigation into the problem found that 84 illegal products being sold contained steroids, stimulants and hormones. The regulator has issued warnings instructing retailers to remove such products from sale.

MHRA manager of the borderline medicines section David Carter said: "People need to be aware that buying illegal sports supplements can seriously damage your health."

"The products may claim to boost your energy or muscle but they could contain unapproved ingredients that can cause kidney failure, heart problems or seizures," he added.

The MHRA has now requested that major supplement suppliers submit their products for review and the regulator is focused on tackling high-risk substances such as ephedrine and synephrine.

UK anti-doping chief executive Andy Parkinson said: "Athletes who use sports supplements need to choose reputable manufacturers who can justify their claims with scientific evidence and have their products screened to minimise the risk of testing positive for a substance on the world anti-doping agency's prohibited list."