Laura Wilson

On websites including Amazon and Etsy, products containing doses of pigments, including beta-carotene - which gives carrots their orange color - and the canthaxanthin, were being sold. L-Tyrosine tablets were also found in other supermarkets, including Holland & Barrett. The additives are deposited throughout the body, especially the skin, making it an orange-like color once swallowed. Experts warn that taking in high doses may lead to liver disease or even increased the risk of lung cancer. Medics also stated that they could be unregulated, unlicensed, and may contain other ingredients that aren't listed on the label.

We take tens of millions of tablets every day in the United Kingdom for everything from pain to elevated blood pressure. Although a few common medications are available as creams, gels, or patches, an estimated 86% of our medicine intake is by the mouth. And now scientists are looking (for about half of the population, at least), a less obvious option. For example, taking drugs orally can result in a lot of issues. The medications travel to the stomach, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to wherever they need to work.

The performance-enhancing chemicals were discovered by undercover journalists for as little as 40p a pill in shops selling bodybuilding supplements. Retailers were caught on the streets giving tips on how to take the tablets. Selective androgen receptor modulators, also known as SARMs, can be found on internet pages such as eBay and Depop. They work like steroids but have not been fully tested for human safety, are not approved by physicians, and are not covered by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Experts cautioned that their use could pose a threat to consumers and urged ministers to place tighter limits on their use. (Pictured left) Rhys Bryant was just 20 when he first purchased SARMs online. Mr Bryant noticed he began to suffer from a number of side effects, including mood swings, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, and even lost his sex drive within a fortnight of taking the pills.