What Are Research Chemicals or Products Advertised as “Not for Human Consumption”?

Many companies sell peptides, SARMs, or experimental drugs directly to consumers under the label of “research chemicals” or with disclaimers like “for research purposes only” or “not for human consumption.” These substances sometimes resemble medications, as they may be designed for injection, purchased from online “pharmacies” or compounding pharmacies, or even prescribed by health practitioners.

In other instances, these products mimic dietary supplements in packaging, dosage forms (capsules, tablets, powders), and labeling. However, instead of a legally required “Supplement Facts” panel, they may feature a “Research Facts” panel or omit ingredient details entirely. Many such products contain illegal or unapproved performance-enhancing drugs that are not allowed in dietary supplements. Athletes should be cautious and avoid any product carrying a “for research purposes only” warning.

Are Products Labeled as “Research Chemicals” Legal?

The legality of these products is complex. Most regulations depend on how a product is marketed and distributed. If a product is intended for human consumption—regardless of disclaimers stating otherwise—and contains an unapproved drug, the FDA may consider its sale illegal. The FDA evaluates whether a product is meant for human use or for treating a disease by examining marketing materials and product claims.

One common marketing strategy involves websites providing general information about a substance separately from selling products containing that substance. For example, a website may describe the benefits of a specific SARM, claiming it improves muscle recovery, offers testosterone-like effects without the risks, or reduces prostate cancer risks. The same website may then sell SARMs in dosages designed for human consumption but include disclaimers such as “research chemical” or “Not for human consumption.”

However, an FDA warning letter clarified that disclaimers do not absolve companies from liability. The FDA recently warned a company for marketing unapproved drugs as “research chemicals.” The agency used the company’s educational claims about SARMs as evidence that they intended for consumers to use the product, making it an unapproved new drug.

If Research Chemicals Are Prescribed by a Doctor at a Health Clinic, Are They Safe to Use?

Not necessarily. USADA has identified numerous products provided by health practitioners that contain substances the FDA has deemed illegal and that are prohibited in sport.

Are Research Chemicals Prohibited in Sport?

The World Anti-Doping Agency does not ban entire categories of products, meaning athletes must verify each ingredient on GlobalDRO.com to determine its anti-doping status. If a prohibited substance is listed on the label, the product should be considered banned in sport. USADA strongly advises athletes to avoid any product labeled as a research chemical, even if it does not explicitly list a banned substance. These products lack proper testing for quality, efficacy, and safety, posing risks of adverse health effects and positive anti-doping test results.