Turkesterone has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in the sports supplement market. It is often discussed online in relation to training, physique goals, strength routines, and performance-focused supplement stacks.
However, Turkesterone is not currently available from Peoples CBD.
This is a deliberate decision. As a UK retailer, we have to consider more than popularity. We need to be confident that any ingredient we sell has a clear regulatory position, responsible labelling, appropriate safety standards, and compliant claims.
Turkesterone sits in a complicated area because it is commonly promoted with strong performance-style claims. That creates risk for both retailers and customers, particularly when the scientific, regulatory, and sports compliance position is still developing.
What Is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid, a type of naturally occurring steroid-like compound found in certain plants and insects. Ecdysteroids include compounds such as ecdysterone, ecdysone, and turkesterone. USADA describes ecdysteroids as naturally occurring compounds found in insects, some plants, and some fungi, and specifically lists turkesterone as part of this group. (usada.org)
In supplement markets, Turkesterone is usually associated with extracts from plants such as Ajuga turkestanica. It has gained attention because it is often positioned in the same conversation as performance supplements, bodybuilding products, and active lifestyle formulas.
That does not mean every Turkesterone product is automatically suitable for sale, compliant to advertise, or appropriate for every customer.
Why Did We Remove Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is no longer available from Peoples CBD because we are taking a cautious approach to:
✚ UK food supplement regulations
✚ Novel food considerations
✚ Advertising and health-claim rules
✚ Sports supplement compliance
✚ Ingredient verification and quality control
✚ Customer safety and responsible positioning
The Food Standards Agency explains that novel foods are foods that were not used for human consumption to a significant degree in the UK or EU before 15 May 1997, and novel foods require authorisation before being placed on the Great Britain market. (food.gov.uk)
With newer or less established supplement ingredients, the key question is not just “is this popular?” but whether the ingredient has a clear history of use, an appropriate legal route to market, and sufficient documentation for the exact form being sold.
Until we are satisfied that a Turkesterone ingredient meets the standards we expect for UK retail, we would rather not offer it.
Is Turkesterone Banned in the UK?
We would avoid calling Turkesterone “banned” unless there is a clear legal basis for that statement.
The more accurate position is that Turkesterone raises compliance questions around ingredient status, evidence, advertising claims, and sports supplement risk.
Food supplement businesses must comply with UK food law, labelling rules, and claims rules. GOV.UK states that food supplements must comply with the Food Supplements Regulations and equivalent legislation across the UK. (gov.uk)
So, rather than saying “Turkesterone is banned,” our position is:
We are not currently selling Turkesterone because we do not have enough regulatory and compliance confidence to list it responsibly.
That is a more accurate and more responsible position.
Why Are Turkesterone Claims a Problem?
One of the biggest issues with Turkesterone is how it is marketed.
Online, Turkesterone is often promoted using language linked to:
✚ muscle growth
✚ strength
✚ anabolic activity
✚ testosterone-style positioning
✚ body composition
✚ athletic performance
Those types of claims are difficult in the UK supplement market.
The Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register sets out authorised and rejected nutrition and health claims, and only authorised claims may be used in Great Britain. (gov.uk)
The ASA also states that only health and nutrition claims authorised on the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register are permitted in food advertising. (asa.org.uk)
This means a brand cannot simply say a food supplement “builds muscle”, “boosts strength”, “enhances performance”, or produces hormone-like outcomes unless the exact claim is authorised and used correctly.
For that reason, Turkesterone is a high-risk ingredient from a marketing perspective.
What About Athletes and Drug Testing?
Turkesterone also sits close to sports compliance discussions because it belongs to the ecdysteroid family.
USADA states that ecdysteroids, including turkesterone, are not currently prohibited under WADA rules, but they are on the WADA Monitoring List so WADA can monitor patterns of use and decide whether future action is needed. (usada.org)
WADA explains that its Monitoring Program includes substances that are not on the Prohibited List but are monitored to detect patterns of misuse in sport. (wada-ama.org)
For athletes, that matters. Even if a substance is not prohibited today, the position can change, and product contamination or mislabelling is always a risk with sports supplements.
Anyone competing in tested sport should only use supplements that are suitable for their governing body’s rules and, where appropriate, third-party tested for sport.
Is Turkesterone Safe?
We do not make safety claims for Turkesterone.
Safety depends on the exact ingredient, plant source, extract strength, manufacturing method, contaminants, serving size, and user profile.
This is one of the reasons we are cautious. The supplement market often moves faster than the evidence base. When a product becomes popular through social media, it can create a gap between customer demand and responsible retail standards.
Our approach is simple:
✚ We will not sell an ingredient just because it is trending
✚ We will not repeat exaggerated claims
✚ We will not position a product as hormone-like or anabolic
✚ We will only consider ingredients we can list responsibly
Why We Take a Cautious Approach
We know some customers will be disappointed when a product is removed. But we would rather be careful than list something before we are comfortable with the regulatory and claims position.
A responsible supplement retailer should be willing to say no to products where:
✚ the ingredient status is unclear
✚ the claims environment is risky
✚ the evidence is still developing
✚ the market is driven by hype
✚ athletes may need additional caution
✚ quality and identity standards need further verification
This does not mean Turkesterone will never return. It means we will only reconsider it if the ingredient status, documentation, quality controls, and compliant marketing position are clear enough.
Alternatives to Turkesterone
No supplement should be presented as a direct replacement for Turkesterone.
Different ingredients have different compositions, uses, and regulatory positions. However, if you were looking at Turkesterone as part of a broader active lifestyle, gym, or daily supplement routine, there are other categories you may wish to consider.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a plant extract commonly used in capsule supplements and active lifestyle routines. Peoples CBD lists Bodyslam Primal Tribulus Terrestris capsules. (peoplescbd.co.uk)
This should not be treated as a direct alternative to Turkesterone, and we do not make testosterone, fertility, libido, or muscle-growth claims for it. It is best understood as a botanical supplement option for customers building a general routine.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a botanical ingredient commonly used in food supplements. Peoples CBD lists Bodyslam Ashwagandha products, including KSM-66 Ashwagandha capsules. (peoplescbd.co.uk)
Ashwagandha may appeal to customers looking for a recognised botanical supplement. It should be used according to product guidance and should not be positioned as a direct replacement for Turkesterone.
Shilajit
Shilajit is a traditional resin-style supplement ingredient. Peoples CBD lists shilajit resin and capsule formats, including products described as containing fulvic acid and humic acid. (peoplescbd.co.uk)
Shilajit may be of interest to customers who prefer mineral-rich traditional supplement formats. As always, it should be used according to product guidance and may not be suitable for everyone.
Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are another option for customers exploring daily supplement routines. Peoples CBD lists functional mushroom products including mushroom blends and individual mushroom formats. (peoplescbd.co.uk)
Examples include Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Tremella. These are not direct substitutes for Turkesterone, but they may be suitable for customers building a broader wellness or nootropic-style routine.
CBD and CBG Products
CBD and CBG are hemp-derived cannabinoids and are separate from sports supplement ingredients like Turkesterone.
They should not be described as alternatives for muscle growth, strength, anabolic activity, hormone support, or performance outcomes. However, some customers choose CBD or CBG products as part of a general daily routine.
Peoples CBD offers CBD and CBG across formats such as oils, vapes, gummies, topicals, patches, bath products, and crystals.
What to Look for When Choosing an Alternative
When choosing any supplement, especially in active lifestyle categories, look for:
✚ clear ingredient labelling
✚ transparent serving guidance
✚ responsible claims
✚ batch or lab testing where available
✚ clear suitability warnings
✚ no exaggerated hormone or performance promises
✚ a retailer willing to explain why certain products are not listed
The strongest products are not always the ones with the biggest claims. Often, the better choice is the one with clearer labelling, better transparency, and more responsible positioning.
Final Word
Turkesterone is no longer available from Peoples CBD because we are taking a cautious and responsible approach.
The ingredient is widely discussed in sports supplement markets, but it raises questions around UK food supplement compliance, novel food status, advertising claims, quality assurance, and sports-related monitoring.
Until we are confident that a Turkesterone product can be listed responsibly in the UK, we would rather not sell it.
Customers looking for other options may wish to explore Tribulus Terrestris, Ashwagandha, Shilajit, functional mushrooms, CBD, or CBG depending on their personal routine and preferences.
Food supplements are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always read the label and seek professional advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, competing in tested sport, or managing a medical condition..