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Erythropoietin, otherwise known as EPO, is a performance-enhancing drug that has been taken by elite endurance athletes for only a few years. EPO is a natural component of the body’s red blood cells that works as a catalyst for red blood cell production. Until recently, EPO was only a natural substance. Scientists and doctors have synthesized EPO and turned it into a consumable substance. It was originally designed to treat cancer, HIV, AIDS and other diseases affected by red blood cells. But endurance athletes saw the drug as a way to improve performance. By taking EPO the human body’s red blood cell production is accelerated to monstrous proportions. The result is an athlete that has more red blood cells and a greater oxygen carrying capacity at no expense. This effect gives endurance athletes an edge on the competition. It actually, in a sense, gives the athlete the same effect as high altitude training, only without the high altitude. Athletes take EPO for another reason. Athletic retailers, such as Nike and Reebok, pay a high price to obtain the representation of an elite athlete. This kind of financial backing is a dream for athletes across the globe. However, these athletes must produce top-level results i