Weight loss often tops the New Year’s resolution list, but over-the-counter weight-loss and sports supplements with DMAA are coming under fire for presenting the risk of heart attack, stroke, panic attacks, and death.
DMAA, or 1,3-dimethylamylamine, was once used in over-the-counter decongestants but was taken off the market because it didn’t work. Since then, a number of sports supplements have used the compound to increase energy and metabolism. A recent lawsuit has called the substance dangerous. In fact, the United States Army is investigating whether it played a role in the deaths of two soldiers. Both soldiers had heart attacks while exercising, and both had DMAA in their systems.
A Harvard Medical School researcher has called for the FDA to remove supplements containing DMAA from shelves, and the United States Anti-Doping Agency has issued an advisory to warn athletes about the risks of using the substance which is banned by the organization. DMAA is labeled as a dietary ingredient, and some manufacturers even claim that the compound is natural because it can be found in trace amounts in geranium oil.
Some popular and widely available products containing DMAA include: Jack3d, Nitric Blast, Lean Efx, PWR, Napalm, and Code Red.
If you are planning to shed a few pounds, consider avoiding this harmful substance and losing the weight the old-fashioned way. Eat nutritious foods of healthful portion sizes and get plenty of exercise.
If you believe you have been harmed by DMAA, please contact our office for a free consultation.
