FDA issues warning about supplement ingredient

Food and Drug Administration has questioned the safety of an ingredient that’s used in 15 muscle-building supplements. And FDA wants the manufacturers of the products to submit more evidence that verifies that the supplements that have the ingredient don’t cause health problems.

The ingredient, dimethylamylamine (DMAA), can be found in supplement powders and tablets that are sold online and at mainstream brick-and-mortar stores. It often is marketed by manufacturers as a so-called “natural” stimulant that can help to build muscle mass.

FDA has received 42 reports of adverse health events that are related to products that contain DMAA, but it hasn’t been established whether DMAA caused the health issues. DMAA can be associated with elevated blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as shortness of breath, tightening of the chest or even heart attack, FDA says.

On April 27, FDA notified 10 supplement manufacturers that they hadn’t submitted evidence to indicate that the ingredient was safe for consumption prior to marketing their products. The agency also warned the manufacturers against using synthetic variations of DMAA, because it hasn’t been approved as a dietary ingredient.  FDA didn’t indicate whether synthetic DMAA poses the same cardiovascular risks.

For more information on the products go to www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm302133.htm.