Here is a word of caution for all those health freaks who use dietary supplements to reduce their weight. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary supplements containing a stimulant called dimethylamylamine (DMAA) that promise weight loss, muscle building and performance enhancement can elevate blood pressure and could lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest and even death.
“The FDA is using all available tools at its disposal to ensure that dietary supplements containing a stimulant called dimethylamylamine (DMAA) are no longer distributed and available for sale to consumers in the marketplace,” said the FDA release.
According to experts, the ingredient, DMAA, is most commonly used in these supplements and given its biological activity the ingredient may be particularly dangerous when used with caffeine. The FDA has received several reports of illnesses and death associated with supplements containing DMAA.
The other illnesses reported include heart problems and nervous system or psychiatric disorders. Calling the ingredient illegal, the FDA has also warned companies known to be using DMAA in dietary supplements, halting further distribution of dietary supplements containing DMAA in the marketplace.
The issue gains significance as many adults use dietary supplements to keep fit. Infact a 2011 study suggested that more than half of US adults used a dietary supplement between 2003 and 2006, compared to only 40 per cent between 1988 and 1994.
Well known gym instructor Arun Arora said that people self prescribe fat burning and performance enhancing supplements to shed weight. “While I recommend more of natural diet, protein intake, amino acid and no fat burning dietary supplements. I have seen people taking them on their own as they feel that this would help them lose weight in no time. The recommendation by the FDA is important as the use of dietary supplements increases worldwide, “ he told this newspaper. In recent years, Food and Drug Administration has also alerted consumers to hundreds of tainted products marketed as dietary supplements. “Consumers should be aware that dietary supplements are subject to different oversight than drugs and other medical products,” it said. DMAA was approved in 1948 for use as a nasal decongestant.