Russian athletes successfully demonstrating milk-related ingestion of meldonium substance.
In a rare turn of events, two Russian athletes have tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium, but not due to intentional use. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has confirmed that this contamination occurred through the consumption of milk contaminated with the substance [1].
According to Valeria German, head of RUSADA's Results Management Department, for such contamination to occur, an athlete must consume a significant volume of unpasteurized milk (at least one liter per day), and the milk must come from a cow that received Meldonium, despite usually sick cows not being milked. This results in only very low concentrations of Meldonium detected in doping samples, allowing the athletes to avoid sanctions [1].
Valeria German reported that such cases of athletes testing positive for Meldonium due to contaminated milk are extremely rare in RUSADA's practice. TASS quoted German as saying that the athletes tested positive for a substance called mildrone [1].
In both cases, specialists found an extremely low level of the banned substance in the samples provided. This situation is exceptional compared to the usual doping violations involving Meldonium, where athletes face suspensions, such as the case of swimmer Alexander Yefimov who was disqualified for four years due to Meldonium use [1].
It is worth noting that the athletes were not disqualified for anti-doping violations in this case.
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Science plays a crucial role in this unique medical-conditions case, as experts investigate the low levels of Meldonium found in the athletes' samples due to contaminated milk consumption. Meanwhile, health-and-wellness enthusiasts might find interest in the specific precautions required to avoid such contamination in sports diets.
