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On October 16, 2026, on World Food Day, the National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD) hosted the second seminar under the project “Capacity Building for Learning, Education, and Awareness on Nutrition within Anti-Doping Mechanisms (CLEAN Nutrition)”, funded by the UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport and implemented by ANAD Moldova.
This time, 20 athletes from the Weightlifting Federation participated in the training session. The choice of date was not accidental, as World Food Day provided a fitting context to discuss the role of proper nutrition in athletic performance and the hidden risks associated with dietary supplements. The topic is especially relevant for weightlifters, who practice a strength sport where supplements are widely used, and where a wrong choice can have severe consequences on a career.
The seminar kicked off with an introduction to the CLEAN Nutrition project and the role nutrition plays in the fight against doping. The discussion then focused on the safe use of supplements, educating athletes on how products can become contaminated, how to consult the Prohibited List, how to read labels, and what guarantees certifications offer—while also debunking several common myths. The acquired knowledge was immediately put into practice through an applied exercise. Following this, participants addressed nutrition for clean performance, emphasizing macro- and micronutrients, the "food first" principle, as well as the importance of hydration and recovery. The program also included a session dedicated to anti-doping rules and responsibilities, detailing the provisions of the WADA Code, athlete rights, the UNESCO Convention, and the conduct of a doping control test. The seminar concluded with practical anti-doping education strategies and a discussion on fostering a clean sport culture.
A highlight that captured participants' attention was the presentation of results from an international study funded by the International Olympic Committee, which revealed that approximately 15% of the non-hormonal supplements analyzed contained anabolic steroids not listed on the label. The organizers emphasized that, based on the principle of strict liability, athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their bodies, even if it originates from a contaminated supplement. The key takeaway for the weightlifters was clear: a balanced diet remains the foundation of athletic performance, and supplements should only be used when genuinely necessary, thoroughly checked, and certified.
The sessions were conducted by Dr. Artiom Jucov, Director of ANAD Moldova; Dr. Tatiana Timercan, national trainer; Lilia Talmațchi, Head of the Anti-Doping Education Department; Eugen Lupușor and Arian Movileanu, Doping Control Officers (DCO) and specialists at ANAD Moldova; as well as Dr. Marianna Savva, PhD in Educational Sciences, educational activity facilitator, and communications expert.
Following the inaugural seminar dedicated to the Tennis and Padel Federation, this meeting with the weightlifters continues the series of educational activities through which the CLEAN Nutrition project aims to strengthen the Moldovan sports community's knowledge regarding safe nutrition and doping prevention.
#CLEANNutritionMoldova
#CleanSport #UNESCOAntiDoping #WorldFoodDay
