What is the purpose of masking drugs in sports?

The purpose of masking drugs in sports is primarily to hide or mask the use of other substances. Athletes may use performance-enhancing drugs that are banned in order to gain an unfair advantage in competition. However, testing procedures can detect these substances. Masking drugs serve to inhibit the detection of the primary banned substance during drug testing, allowing athletes to continue using these performance enhancers without facing consequences. The strategic use of masking drugs can help maintain the athlete's competitive edge while evading regulatory scrutiny.

In contrast, while some substances may enhance performance, improve recovery times, or promote muscle gain, the primary intent behind masking agents is to obscure the presence of prohibited substances in testing environments.