In recent months, 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA) has served as the catalyst for intense investigations, as it may be responsible for influx of adverse health events. Subsequently, the ambiguous origins of the ingredient have caused regulatory agencies around the world to question its status as a dietary supplement. Accordingly, complications such as these have finally culminated in litigation against those developing and distributing DMAA-containing products. In a recent class action lawsuit, Lynette Bates alleges that defendants misled shoppers by selling Cellucor’s C4 Extreme pre-workout supplement containing the “synthetic and dangerous stimulant DMAA.”
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.
In a recent turn of events, Lynette Bates has sought compensation for buying what she believes to be a falsely advertised and dangerous product. The suit was filed by Bates, a Southern California woman who last summer bought a pre-exercise drink powder called C4 Extreme, which promises “explosive workouts.”
Bates alleges that DMAA is not a natural derivative of the geranium plant, and is instead a synthetically developed drug. Furthering her argument, she claims the company has no substantiated evidence to suggest DMAA is a natural derivative of geranium oil. Manufacturers primarily have relied on a 1996 paper published in a Chinese scientific journal that links DMAA to geranium oil, though critics say the paper is fraught with scientific errors, including translation problems. If DMAA is, in fact, a synthetic drug, it is in direct violation of several laws while it is marketed as a dietary supplement.
Bates sued retailer GNC and Cellucor Sports Nutrition, which manufactures, distributes and markets the supplement, for “making false and unsubstantiated representations concerning the efficacy, safety and legality of C4 Extreme,” among other claims. Cellucor’s parent company, Woodbolt International, is also named in the suit.
At the center of Bates’ argument, are claims that DMAA-containing products pose as a serious health risk. Substantiating such a claim, are the deaths of 2 U.S. soldiers believed to be the victims of DMAA. Mr. Graves, an Army representative, said that DMAA had been identified in the toxicology reports of two soldiers who suffered fatal heart attacks during physical exercise. In addition to the two deaths, Graves acknowledged a possible link between products with DMAA and an influx of kidney failure, seizures, loss of consciousness and rapid heartbeat in other military personnel. As a result, the Army has removed DMAA products from military shelves.
Concurring with the idea that DMAA may cause adverse cardiac events is one Dr. Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. According to Dr. Cohen, “what we’ve seen is that DMAA in supplements has been connected to situations where the heart has gone suddenly into failure due to excessive stress.” Cohen added that when DMAA is taken as a party drug with alcohol, it has been connected to bleeding in the brain.
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.