The New York Times  Sunday,  February 23, 2003

Senselessy, Dangers of Dietary Drugs Remain

Steven Bechler pitching prospect for the Baltimore Orioles is dead at 23. His death was reported as related to his taking of the dietary supplement containing EPHEDRA and CAFFEINE, which together are touted to produce weight loss and enhance performance. He is not the only one whose death is related to this chemical. 

In fact, “the manufactures of dietary supplements are not required to report serious adverse affects caused by their products to the F.D.A.  For example, the manufacturer of Metabolite an herbal remedy taken by 2.5 million Americains--was within its legal rights in withholding the facts of more than 14,000 reports of adverse reactions received over several years…”

“…Misleading advertising has persuaded far too many Americains that products containing Ephedra can promote long-term weight loss, increase energy and enhance athletic performance.  In fact, ephedra achieves none of these. Like its chemical cousin methamphetamine (speed) and phenylpropanolamine, ephedra temporarily suppresses appetite but rapidly produces tolerance. Sustained weight loss by obese persons has never been convincingly demonstrated at doses of ephedra considered to be safe.

The use of ephedra is associated with development of cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, strokes, psychoses, seizures and death. These reactions have been observed in otherwise healthy young adults WERE TAKING THE DOSEAGE MARKED ON THE LABEL.  Based on a report by the inspector general of the Unites Stated Department of Health and Human Service, it is estimated that 100,000 Americans have experienced adverse reactions to ephedra in the past several years…

“…It  is quite remarkable that although the Americain Medical Association recommended a ban on ephedra and the Defense Department halted sales of ephedra  products in military commissaries, the federal government -- acting through the Federal Drug Administration – has still not taken decisive action to protect the American public from the well-recognized dangers of this herbal drug…”

“…According to a recent survey, the American public overwhelmingly supports the idea of new regulations that would require the F.D.A. to review the safety of new dietary supplements before their sale. That would give increased authority to the F.D.A. to remove unsafe products from the market, and which would also regulate advertising claims about their health benefits of dietary supplements.”