Dimethylamylamine, otherwise known as DMAA, continues to receive strong criticism for its ambiguous origins and suspected link to at least two deaths thus far. In response to the influx of such criticism, the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHPRA) has begun to strip DMAA-containing products and subsequent dietary supplements from retail shelves and online catalogues. As a result, the UK’s latest actions represent the first, of potentially many, European Union member states to act against the highly controversial stimulant.
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 considered an unauthorized drug.
Many healthcare officials believe that DMAA is the product of synthetic adulterated substances that are disguising themselves as geranium extract to avoid FDA regulations. Ed Wyszumiala, the general manager of dietary supplements at NSF International, acknowledged that “if somebody shows him the evidence proving that DMAA is extracted from geranium oil, stems or leaves, he would love to see it.”
Compounding the ambiguous nature of DMAA even further, are the deaths of two U.S. soldiers believed to have been linked to the stimulant. Mr. Graves, the Army spokesman, said that DMAA had been identified in the toxicology reports of the 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 is currently evaluating whether the potential link warrants further action.
Due to these adverse events, and DMAA’s status as a questionable drug, the MHPRA of the United Kingdom has begun to remove the questionable stimulant from retail and online shelves. “The MHPRA is looking at a number of companies selling a variety of products marketed as sports supplements, but which may turn out to be medicines,” a spokesperson acknowledged.
Luca Bucchini, an Italian-based EU food law expert, welcomed the latest actions taken by the MHPRA. Bucchini acknowledged that “with the Olympic games approaching, and the damage that DMAA has done to athletes and to sports nutrition, wise decisions are necessary – for the sake of all parties involved.”
Companies who currently market DMAA products are in the process of complying with MHPRA’s demands. The are currently on schedule to have the questionable products removed by the end of next week.
The following is a comprehensive list of the products 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
Do I Have a DMAA Lawsuit?
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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 1-800-773-0849.