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 The BBC's Harry Peart reports"This is a victory for UK Athletics, which has been at the forefront of calls for an inquiry"  real 28k |
Athletics chiefs to fund doping study
200m runner Mark Richardson is one of a number of athletes fighting to clear their name after a positive test
Athletics' ruling body has announced a joint study into whether food supplements can trigger huge increases in nandrolone and other banned substances.
The International Amateur Athletic Federation announced the initiative after meetings of its medical and anti-doping committees on Monday.
The move comes following pressure from the ruling body of track and field in the UK.
UK Athletics' chief David Moorcroft has consistenty called for a review of the possible triggers of nandrolone following a large increase in the numbers of athletes testing positive.
British sprinters Mark Richardson, Dougie Walker and Linford Christie are among those still fighting to clear their name after failing blood tests.
The IAAF appeared to be toughening its stance when it confirmed last month they would all be subject to two-year bans while their appeals are waiting to be heard.
But Monday's announcement seems to indicate a degree of sympathy for the athletes.
The IAAF said it would conduct the study in co-operation with UK Athletics.
UK research: 'Crucial'
"Experimental research proposed by UK Athletics will be crucial," the IAAF said in a statement, adding that it would support the British federation with a grant to help conduct a full study on the effects of supplements on volunteers.
Researchers will collect data from around the world regarding positive tests, reports from IOC-accredited laboratories and regulations on marketing of supplements.
The research team will also examine published data in scientific journals about nandrolone, food supplements and herbal remedies.
The project will be led by a four-man IAAF group headed by its medical commission chairman, Arne Ljungqvist of Sweden.
Nandrolone, an easily-detectable steroid, produced a total of 343 positive tests across all sports around the world last year.
The International Amateur Athletic Federation announced the initiative after meetings of its medical and anti-doping committees on Monday.
The move comes following pressure from the ruling body of track and field in the UK.
 Moorcroft has been lobbying the IAAF hard |
British sprinters Mark Richardson, Dougie Walker and Linford Christie are among those still fighting to clear their name after failing blood tests.
The IAAF appeared to be toughening its stance when it confirmed last month they would all be subject to two-year bans while their appeals are waiting to be heard.
But Monday's announcement seems to indicate a degree of sympathy for the athletes.
The IAAF said it would conduct the study in co-operation with UK Athletics.
UK research: 'Crucial'
"Experimental research proposed by UK Athletics will be crucial," the IAAF said in a statement, adding that it would support the British federation with a grant to help conduct a full study on the effects of supplements on volunteers.
Researchers will collect data from around the world regarding positive tests, reports from IOC-accredited laboratories and regulations on marketing of supplements.
The research team will also examine published data in scientific journals about nandrolone, food supplements and herbal remedies.
The project will be led by a four-man IAAF group headed by its medical commission chairman, Arne Ljungqvist of Sweden.
Nandrolone, an easily-detectable steroid, produced a total of 343 positive tests across all sports around the world last year.
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