What is synthol? uses, abuse and injection effects!
Synthol is a synthetic oil widely used by bodybuilders to temporarily enhance the size of muscles, especially in areas like the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and calves. It provides the appearance of larger muscles without improving muscle strength or performance. Synthol is injected directly into the muscles, causing them to swell temporarily, which can lead to a dramatic cosmetic change in a short period. While it is a quick way to enhance appearance, its use is often criticized because it does not promote actual muscle growth or physical performance, unlike anabolic steroids.
For a deeper understanding of Synthol, check out this comprehensive Wikipedia article.
Composition and Mechanism of Synthol
Synthol contains three main ingredients: 85% medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, 7.5% lidocaine, and 7.5% benzyl alcohol. The MCT oil serves as a bulking agent, inflating the muscles temporarily. Lidocaine is included to numb the area, reducing pain during injection, while benzyl alcohol is used for sterilization to prevent infection.
The primary function of Synthol is to create a temporary swelling effect in the injected muscle, giving it the appearance of greater size. However, this increase in size does not reflect any actual improvement in muscle tissue or strength. For more details on its composition, refer to this Healthline article.
Uses of Synthol in Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders often use Synthol to enhance the appearance of specific muscles. The biceps, triceps, deltoids, and calves are common injection sites where users seek to create a fuller, more defined look. However, Synthol has become controversial due to the fact that it doesn’t contribute to actual muscle strength or athletic performance, unlike anabolic steroids, which promote muscle growth and strength. While it can be effective for achieving a larger appearance in a short period, it is purely cosmetic.
To understand why bodybuilders are turning to Synthol, you can read more on this The Conversation article.
Abuse and Risks Associated with Synthol Use
While Synthol may seem appealing for its ability to enhance muscle size quickly, its use comes with serious health risks. The most significant dangers include nerve damage, abscesses, tissue damage, and even more severe complications such as pulmonary embolism (a blockage in the lung’s arteries) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Users who inject large quantities or fail to follow proper injection techniques can face permanent damage to the muscles, infections, and even toxic reactions that may require surgical intervention. For more in-depth information on these risks, refer to this study on PubMed.
Injection Techniques and Safety Precautions
When using Synthol, choosing the right injection sites and practicing proper safety measures is essential. Common areas of injection include the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and calves. Injecting large amounts into one muscle group can increase the risk of complications such as tissue damage or infections.
Safety precautions include using sterile needles and avoiding injecting near large blood vessels to prevent embolisms, which can be fatal. Additionally, it is important not to inject too much Synthol at once, as excessive amounts can increase the risk of side effects. For more safety tips, you can explore further in this Wikipedia article.
Comparison with Other Muscle Enhancement Methods
Synthol is often compared to anabolic steroids, but there are key differences between the two. Unlike steroids, which contribute to muscle growth, strength, and performance, Synthol only inflates the muscles for cosmetic purposes. While both substances are used by bodybuilders seeking to enhance their physique, Synthol does not improve functional muscle capacity and should not be considered a substitute for real muscle-building efforts.
For a broader comparison, check out this Healthline article, which outlines the differences between Synthol and anabolic steroids.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legality of Synthol varies depending on the country, but it is generally not heavily regulated. Despite its availability, the use of Synthol is often discouraged due to the potential health risks and the ethical concerns it raises. Many in the bodybuilding community view its use as a shortcut that undermines the effort and discipline required for natural muscle development.
While Synthol is not banned in many countries, health professionals and fitness experts typically advise against its use, highlighting the importance of achieving muscle growth through proper exercise and nutrition. For more on the legal aspects of Synthol, refer to the Wikipedia page.
Conclusion
Synthol may offer a temporary and visually impressive increase in muscle size, but it comes with serious risks that can jeopardize the user’s health. While it may provide an illusion of muscle growth, it does not improve muscle strength or athletic performance, making it a poor alternative to natural bodybuilding methods. Bodybuilders should carefully consider the health risks before using Synthol and focus on safe, long-term strategies for muscle building.
For more information on Synthol and its use in bodybuilding, check out The Conversation article.
Hi, I'm Dave Moffat the founder and Chief Editor of steroidsourcetalk.com and certified International Personal Trainer and Certified Nutritionist. My passion has always been bodybuilding but with 15 years' experience in weight loss programs too, it's hard not to mention all that when you're working at your fitness level fullest (I hope). When Im not in the gym or spending time away from my family i often think about what advice would help others achieve theirs goals just like these inspired mine.
