A self-proclaimed healthtech founder, Arthur MacWaters, has sparked concern after publicly sharing a "supplement stack" that controversially includes Trenbolone, a potent anabolic steroid not approved for human use in many regions, including the United States. The recommendation, shared via a tweet, lists several common supplements alongside the illicit substance, raising questions about responsible advice within the health technology sector.
"As a healthtech founder, here’s my stack," MacWaters stated in the tweet, listing various compounds such as Zinc, Creatine, Whey Isolate, L-Citrulline, Magnesium Glycinate, and Ashwagandha, before concluding with "Tren (most important)."
Trenbolone, often referred to as "Tren," is primarily a veterinary drug used to promote muscle growth in livestock. Its use in humans without a prescription is illegal and carries significant health risks. Medical experts and health organizations warn against its recreational use due to a wide array of severe side effects.
The steroid is known to cause serious cardiovascular strain, liver toxicity, kidney damage, and significant suppression of natural testosterone production. Users have also reported severe psychological side effects, including increased aggression, insomnia ("trensomnia"), and mood disturbances. Despite these dangers, it is sometimes misused in bodybuilding circles for its rapid muscle-building properties.
The tweet from a self-identified "healthtech founder" underscores a potential disconnect between emerging health technologies and established medical guidelines. While other listed supplements like creatine and whey protein are widely accepted for athletic performance and nutrition, the inclusion of Trenbolone stands in stark contrast to public health recommendations. The lack of a readily identifiable public profile or company for Arthur MacWaters further complicates the context of this controversial recommendation.
This incident highlights the importance of scrutinizing health advice, particularly from unverified sources on social media platforms. Health professionals consistently advise against the use of unapproved and illegal substances due to their profound and often irreversible health consequences.