What is "micro-dosing" or "green doping" in sport?

• A. Using large doses to maximize illegal performance.
• B. Using common legal supplements.
• C. Using any amount of painkillers.
• D. Using very small doses to gain subtle performance benefits or to avoid detection.

Answer: (D)

Micro-dosing or green doping means taking very small amounts of a substance that can boost performance with the aim of gaining a subtle edge or evading anti-doping tests. The idea is to stay below typical detection thresholds or to keep effects minimal, so athletes hope to improve slightly while avoiding obvious rule violations. This form of deviation from fair play relies on the perception that the dose is too small to matter or too hard to detect, but it still undermines the spirit of sport and the integrity of competition. It differs from using large, obvious doses intended to maximize performance, which is more clearly illegal and risky. It’s not simply about legal supplements, which are permitted when allowed, and it’s not about painkillers as the main focus of this concept.