Taking quick-fix fat burners or other dietary supplements to boost weight loss could be harmful to your health, according to a recent study.
What most students do not know is that many of those supplements contain ephedra, a botanical product with ephedrine alkaloids.
Most “fat burners,” “metabolism boosters,” “energy boosters” and weight loss supplements contain ephedra, caffeine and sometimes aspirin. Caffeine and aspirin enhance the effects of ephedra. However, the combination can be lethal.
Millions of Americans, young and old, are taking ephedra supplements including Metabolife, Metabolite, Xenadrine, Diet Fuel, Ripped Fuel, Stacker 3, Yellow Jackets and Hydroxycut.
Because nutritional supplements are not regulated as drugs, they are not tested for safety by the Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the FDA’s power to regulate such supplements is limited.
Many consumers taking these products may not be aware they are consuming ephedra, because it is listed under several different names.
Ephedra compounds are derived from the ma huang shrub, native to China. Even small doses of these extracts noticeably stimulate the central nervous system and heighten alertness. A few label ingredients indicating ephedra compounds include ma huang, sida cordifolia, epitonin and pseudoephedrine.
Serious side effects from taking ephedra include hypertension, rapid heart rate, stroke, heart attack, seizures, nervousness, insomnia and even death.
Last week, The University of Memphis set up a health and nutrition booth in the Student Recreation and Fitness Center. The booth was run by Jacqueline DeFouw, health educator at The U of M, and Heather Rountree, nutritionist at The U of M.
“(When tested,) seven to nine students had very high blood pressures or irregular heart rates and were taking Hydroxycut or ephedra-containing supplements,” said Rountree.
At least 17 people have died and over 1,000 people have been to the emergency room as a result of taking ephedra-containing supplements, according to DeFouw and Rountree.
“I have taken Hydroxycut off and on for over two years,” said Mandy Lancaster, junior at The U of M. “I don’t really take it to lose weight — just to keep my body toned and give me energy when I exercise. I’ve never really noticed any negative effects from taking it.”
Most deaths, seizures and strokes have occurred during or right after exercise.
The main problem with ephedra is that safe levels for the drug remain unknown, according to the FDA. The FDA had in the past recommended no more than 8 mg of ephedra per dose and no more than 24 mg in a 24-hour period. However, those recommendations have been withdrawn and are currently under review.
Studies show that ephedra is not clearly labeled on supplements. Most ephedra-containing supplements have 12 mg or more of ephedra alkaloids per dose, and frequently include directions that instruct those taking the supplements to ingest 100-300 mg of ephedra per 24 hours. This level, much higher than the FDA’s recommendations, can raise the risk of side effects.
