Dangerous stimulants that are banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are popping up in a variety of supplements, according to a new study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
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Beware of dangerous stimulants in weight loss and muscle building supplements
JAMA researchers found the presence of four dangerous stimulants when they looked at 12 brands of sports and weight-loss supplements.
We should note the stimulants — you can see the complete list below — have all been banned by the FDA in recent years.
Yet despite the bans, researchers discovered nine out of 12 supplements had at least one of the outlawed stimulants, while six supplements had at least two of the stimulants.
Here are the dangerous substances that could be in your supplements…
| Ingredients | Notes |
| DMAA | FDA noted a link to increased heart problems |
| BMPEA | The chemical structure mirrors that of amphetamine |
| oxilofrine | Banned in professional sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency |
| DMBA | Similar in chemical structure to DMAA |
The sad reality is that it’s buyer beware when you’re out there buying supplements. You have the best chance of doing so safely if you use the following resources recommended by consumer expert Clark Howard:
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia) is the industry’s attempt at self-regulation. Look for the USP seal on products.
- Nutrition.gov – Info on dietary supplements.
- MayoClinic.com – Info on herbal supplements. Also see the guide “Herbal supplements: What to know before you buy.”
- ConsumerReportsHealth.org – Info on optimal doses and safe maximum doses. It also has a list where you can see which of the most popular herbal remedies might have contraindications with traditional medications (subscription required).
And finally, speaking of contraindications, be sure to tell your doctor about any dietary supplements you take. That information will help him or her be aware of any possible drug interactions with prescriptions you may be taking.
