In the wake of two tragic deaths that occurred within the ranks of the U.S. Army, officials are conducting a comprehensive investigation in to what may have caused the unfortunate circumstances. While authorities are still in the process of deliberating the probable cause of death, autopsy reports indicated traces of dimethylamylamine (DMAA) in each of the deceased soldiers. Subsequently, products containing DMAA have been placed on a temporary moratorium within U.S. Army pharmaceutical stores until the safety and efficacy of the ingredient may be determined. Subsequently, lawsuits for products containing DMAA may witness an influx in the coming months.
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. However, misconceptions regarding the origins of DMAA have caused a great deal of controversy in the pharmaceutical industry. While a single non-reputable, peer-reviewed journal of chemistry suggests that DMAA is a natural derivative of the geranium plant, several professionals suggest otherwise. Officials at the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) believe that DMAA is not a derivative of the geranium plant, therefore unable to be marketed as a dietary supplement.
Several products containing DMAA are on the market and may be associated with dangerous side effects. The following is a comprehensive list of the dietary supplements that currently contain DMAA:
- Jack3d
- OxyElite Pro
- Nutrex Lipo-6 Black Products
- Nutrex Hemo-Rage Black
- iSatori PWR
- Muscletech NeuroCore
- Muscletech HydroxyStim
- Farenheit Nutrition Lean EFX
- Muscle Warfare Napalm
- SNI Nitric Blast
- BIORhythm SSIN Juice
- MuscleMeds Code Red
- SEI MethylHex 4,2
- Gaspari Nurtrition Spirodex
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.”
While the origin of DMAA remains ambiguous, recent studies suggest that the ingredient may exhibit a toxicity capable of causing catastrophic side effects. Most notably are the deaths of two United States Army Soldiers who suffered fatal cardiac events after taking products that contained DMAA.
Last summer, a 22-year-old soldier collapsed at an Army base in the Southwest during a training run with his unit. The subsequent fall witnessed a 32-year-old soldier at the same base collapse after taking a physical fitness test. Toxicology reports identified traces of DMAA in each. DMAA has also been associated with the following serious side effects:
- Heart palpitations
- Loss of consciousness
- Liver failure
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Heat stroke
- Cardiac arrest
- Heart attack
- Death
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.