Consumers and regulatory agencies alike are currently debating whether or not DMAA is a natural constituent of the geranium plant or a synthetically manufactured compound. Furthermore, several adverse health events have called into question the safety and efficacy of sport supplements containing the controversial ingredient. Unfortunately, the majority of those conducting their own investigations seem to have come to a proverbial standstill. Efforts to determine the origins of DMAA have been met with stagnation. However, healthcare officials in New Zealand have taken maters into their own hands and banned DMAA from their country.
DMAA has been marketed as a dietary supplement ingredient in combination with caffeine and other ingredients to be used as an over-the-counter thermogenic or general purpose stimulant intended to increase workout energy and efficiency. The increasingly popular ingredient can be found in a growing number of DMAA products that are currently on store shelves. Perhaps the most popular products found to contain DMAA are two dietary supplements marketed under the names Jack3d and OxyElite Pro. However, misconceptions regarding the origins of DMAA have caused a great deal of controversy in the pharmaceutical industry.
An ongoing debate between dietary supplement manufactures and regulatory agencies continues to acknowledge the increasingly ambiguous origins of DMAA. Misconceptions regarding these origins are rooted in a Chinese study that took place in 1996. Otherwise known as the Ping study, this research suggested DMAA was a natural derivative of geranium oil found in the Rongjiang province of China. The data from this study was published in a non-reputable journal of chemistry, from which many manufacturers have derived their information.
However, opponents of the idea believe that DMAA is a synthetically developed compound with no substantiated evidence to say otherwise. Researchers have suggested that the Ping study may have been translated wrong, leading to further misconceptions. Subsequently, researchers around the world, including John Travis, manager of clinical operations for NSF International and the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) analytical laboratories committee, find it difficult to concur with the claims made by DMAA manufacturers.
Steven Dentali, AHPA’s chief science officer stated that “there are no known-published reports indicating that this is a natural product. Any labeling stating that it is naturally occurring in geranium, or any other natural source, would need appropriate scientific evidence to support it. None has yet been found in the public domain.”
Despite the mounting concerns over where DMAA comes from, the most pressing issue at hand seems to be the adverse health events linked to the controversial ingredient. Its use in New Zealand has led to several health concerns including increased blood pressure, severe headaches, and vomiting. Dr Leo Schep of the National Poisons Centre in Dunedin said in at least one case, a user of sports-nutrition products had suffered a stroke. “There are people out there who are susceptible. And people in New Zealand have stroked out – they’ve had strokes.”
Compounding the already volatile situation, are similar complications taking place across the world. NutraIngredients.com identified a 21-year old New Zealand man who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage shortly after ingesting “party pills” that contained DMAA.
In response to the growing concern surrounding DMAA products, New Zealand has officially decided to ban the substance from their country. This week witnessed Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne use legislation brought in to combat synthetic cannabis products to ban the use of any product containing DMAA. Dunne said he had received reports of ill-health as a result of DMAA sports-nutrition products, which is why the ban was all encompassing. “Strokes and cerebral hemorrhages, plus some of the other lesser conditions … it seemed to me that it was precisely the same sort of risk as some of the substances we had previously withdrawn.”
As a result of Dunne’s decision, DMAA has become just the second substance to be banned under the Temporary Class Drug Notices. Accordingly, DMAA products are expected to be off the market by early next month.
Do I Have a DMAA Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in DMAA lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by DMAA, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.