What food has steroids in it? Natural vs. Synthetic Compounds

October 28, 2025 •

5 min read

Globally, natural steroid hormones occur in a variety of foods, from beef and dairy to a wide array of plants. The critical difference lies between these naturally occurring, usually harmless compounds and synthetic anabolic steroids illegally used to promote growth in livestock, which carry health risks for consumers. When exploring what food has steroids in it, it is crucial to differentiate between natural plant-based compounds, endogenous animal hormones, and illegal synthetic substances.

Quick Summary

This article discusses the types of steroids found in foods, differentiating between natural steroids from plants like quinoa and spinach and animal products like meat and dairy, versus synthetic anabolic steroids sometimes illegally used in livestock production. It covers the health implications and international regulations surrounding these substances.

Key Points

Natural vs. Synthetic: Food can contain naturally occurring steroids from plants or animals, which differ significantly from potentially harmful synthetic anabolic steroids used illegally in livestock.
Phytoecdysteroids are safe: Plant-based steroids, or phytoecdysteroids, found in foods like spinach and quinoa, are not anabolic in humans and do not cause the same effects as synthetic steroids.
Animal products contain hormones: Meat and dairy products naturally contain endogenous hormones like estrogen and testosterone; however, at typical consumption levels, these are generally not a health concern.
Illegal use is the main risk: The primary risk comes from the illegal use of synthetic anabolic steroids in animal agriculture, though banned in many regions, including the European Union.
FDA regulates steroid implants: In the United States, the FDA regulates and sets safe limits for approved steroid implants in beef cattle and sheep, but not for poultry, swine, or dairy cows.
Consumer choices can minimize exposure: Choosing organic, grass-fed, or leaner cuts of meat, along with a balanced, plant-rich diet, can help reduce potential exposure to both added and fat-soluble steroid residues.
Regulations vary globally: Food safety regulations regarding hormone use in livestock differ internationally. The EU has a strict ban, while other countries like the U.S. permit regulated use.

What are steroids, and why are they in our food?

The term “steroid” describes a large family of chemical compounds with a similar molecular structure. These can range from natural, harmless compounds found in plants to potent, artificial substances used for performance enhancement. In a dietary context, steroids in food fall into three main categories:

Endogenous animal hormones: These are naturally present in animal-based products like meat and dairy. For example, cows produce their own estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, which are present in their milk and muscle tissue.
Phytoecdysteroids: These are plant-based steroids that do not have the same hormonal effect in mammals as they do in insects. They are found in many everyday vegetables and grains, and some are even studied for potential health benefits.
Synthetic anabolic steroids (AAS): These are artificial, testosterone-like compounds sometimes illegally administered to livestock to accelerate growth. The European Union has banned their use, but regulations vary elsewhere, and illegal use persists.

Foods with naturally occurring steroids

Certain plant foods contain phytoecdysteroids, often called "plant steroids." While the term can sound alarming, these compounds are not anabolic in humans and, in fact, offer potential health benefits. Animal products also contain natural levels of hormones, which vary depending on the animal's age, gender, and physiological state.

Foods containing phytoecdysteroids

Spinach: A well-known source of phytoecdysteroids, specifically 20-hydroxyecdysone. Some fitness enthusiasts believe it has muscle-building properties, though this is not a strong hormonal effect like synthetic steroids.
Quinoa: This seed is another rich source of ecdysteroids and is known for its high protein content. Studies show quinoa extracts may have anti-diabetic effects and support overall well-being.
Asparagus: Contains a type of phytoecdysteroid called stachysterone A.
Mushrooms: Some mushrooms, particularly species used in traditional medicine, contain plant-based steroids.
Wild yams: Historically used as a precursor for synthesizing human steroid hormones in laboratory settings, wild yams contain diosgenin.

Foods containing animal hormones

Meat and dairy: Beef and milk products naturally contain low levels of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The levels depend on the animal, with dairy from pregnant cows containing higher concentrations.
Eggs: The yolk contains cholesterol, a necessary building block for the body's natural production of steroid hormones.

Synthetic steroids in the food supply

The primary concern for consumers revolves around synthetic steroids that may enter the food supply chain, particularly from animal agriculture where illegal growth promoters are used. In countries like the U.S., some natural and synthetic hormones are approved for use in beef cattle and sheep for growth promotion, but strict regulations set safe limits for residues. The European Union, by contrast, has a complete ban on the use of hormones for fattening farm animals.

Contamination from synthetic steroids

Illegal growth promoters: In regions where regulations are not enforced, or through black market channels, livestock may be illegally given potent anabolic steroids such as trenbolone acetate (TBA). Residues of these illegal compounds can end up in meat products.
Poultry and swine: Unlike cattle, steroid hormone implants are not approved for growth purposes in poultry or pigs in the U.S. or EU. Reports of illegal use persist, and some studies outside the EU have found hormonal residues exceeding maximum limits in chicken meat.
Designer drugs: New, structurally modified synthetic steroids can be used illegally to evade detection. These "designer drugs" can be highly dangerous to human health.

Natural vs. synthetic steroids: A comparison


Aspect	Natural Steroids in Food (e.g., Phytoecdysteroids)	Synthetic Anabolic Steroids (AAS)	Endogenous Animal Hormones in Food
Source	Plants like spinach, quinoa, yams, and mushrooms.	Artificially created in a lab to mimic testosterone.	Naturally produced by animals like cattle, sheep, and poultry.
Hormonal Action	No significant androgenic or anabolic hormonal effect in mammals.	Strong, deliberate hormonal action on human physiology to promote muscle growth.	Present at low concentrations; generally considered safe at typical dietary intake levels.
Health Effects	Mostly benign; some studies suggest benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.	High risk of side effects, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances, with misuse.	Generally considered harmless at natural levels, but some research links high intake to health concerns, especially in children and post-menopausal women.
Regulation	Not typically regulated as steroids, as they do not have significant hormonal effects.	Banned for use as growth promoters in many regions, including the EU. Regulated with strict residue limits in countries where legal.	Monitored to ensure residues remain within established safety limits.
Consumer Risk	Low to none from normal food consumption.	High risk associated with consuming illegally treated meat products.	Minimal risk at standard consumption levels, although high consumption of dairy may increase exposure.

How to minimize dietary steroid exposure

For consumers concerned about synthetic or unnaturally high levels of steroids in their food, particularly from animal sources, several strategies can help minimize exposure.

Choose organic or grass-fed options: Organic and grass-fed beef are produced without the use of added steroid hormones, as is required by U.S. organic standards. Choosing these options can reduce your exposure to both natural and synthetic steroid hormones introduced for growth promotion.
Opt for leaner cuts of meat: Since some growth-promoting substances are fat-soluble, they can accumulate in fatty tissues. Choosing leaner cuts of beef can help reduce exposure to any potential residues.
Support local, ethical farming practices: When possible, source your meat and dairy from local farms with transparent and ethical farming practices. In many places, this involves stricter controls and more information about animal rearing.
Be aware of international regulations: Import regulations on meat vary significantly. For example, EU regulations are stricter concerning anabolic steroid use than in the U.S.. Being informed about the regulations for imported products can help guide purchasing decisions.
Balanced plant-rich diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides numerous health benefits and naturally contains compounds like phytoecdysteroids, which are not harmful.

Conclusion: Navigating steroids in your diet

While some foods naturally contain certain steroid compounds, the risks are primarily associated with the illegal use of synthetic anabolic steroids in animal agriculture. Naturally occurring steroids in plants (phytoecdysteroids) and endogenous hormones in animal products are present at levels considered safe for the general population. Consumers can make informed choices by choosing organic or grass-fed products and focusing on a well-rounded diet to minimize potential exposure to harmful, illegally added substances. Awareness of the varying regulations between countries also helps consumers ensure the safety of their food. Understanding these distinctions is key to a balanced perspective on nutrition and food safety.

Authority outbound link

For further information on FDA-approved steroid implants and safety in food-producing animals, visit the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic and grass-fed meats, particularly beef, are raised without the use of added growth-promoting steroid hormones. U.S. organic standards, for example, prohibit the use of these substances. Therefore, these products are free of intentionally added steroids, though they contain naturally occurring levels of hormones.

The effectiveness of cooking in destroying steroid residues is limited. Some steroids are fat-soluble and can withstand standard heating processes, meaning they can still be present in the final cooked product. Choosing legally certified or organic products is a more effective way to reduce exposure.

Concerns about added hormones in chicken are often misplaced, as steroid hormone implants are not approved for growth purposes in poultry in countries like the U.S. or the EU. Any hormonal residues found are generally a result of illegal use, though some studies have detected excess levels outside of strict regulatory environments.

It is very difficult for consumers to detect illegal steroid use. Rely on certified organic labels or sourcing from reputable farms with transparent practices. Regulatory bodies in countries like the EU have monitoring programs to detect and prevent such misuse in legal markets, but illegal practices can still occur.

Natural steroid supplements are not approved for bodybuilding purposes and are largely unregulated by agencies like the FDA. They can contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement that claims to have steroid-like effects.

Concerns about weight gain are primarily related to synthetic anabolic and corticosteroid use, not the low levels of natural steroids found in food. Anabolic steroid misuse and some prescription steroids can cause weight changes, but this is a different context than dietary intake from natural food sources.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, consuming residues of illegally used hormones, especially for risk groups like children, may have endocrine, developmental, and potentially carcinogenic effects. Regulatory oversight in many countries aims to keep residues within safe limits.