Supplements for Ephedra Diets The Legal Difficulties Persist
Another name for ephedra diet supplements is ma huang. Popular "herbal phen-fen" weight loss products contain this potent stimulant. There is little proof that it aids in weight loss, despite the fact that it is frequently found in over-the-counter weight loss medications. Nonetheless, tens of thousands of happy ephedra users and some studies assert that they endorse its use.
How are diet supplements containing ephedra doing in the US? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared in 2008 that ephedra supplements were prohibited. On February 11, 2004, the FDA first released a rule stating that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids pose an unreasonable risk of harm or disease. The FDA was able to outlaw ephedra diet supplements after a protracted battle with the supplement industry.
Following more than 800 reports that ephedra was associated with headaches, dizziness, chest pain, psychosis, seizures, and strokes, the FDA took action. Before the FDA took action, several states outlawed the stimulant. They asserted that taking ephedra in weight loss supplements on a regular basis puts your body in an abnormally high gear and increases your risk of heart palpitations and heart attacks.
The producers of ephedra diet supplements did not surrender easily. Two manufacturers actually tried in vain to get the US District Court in New Jersey to issue a temporary injunction that would stop the FDA from implementing the rule. However, the court decided not to immediately stay the rule and requested more briefs from the parties. Thus, even though the pills are currently prohibited, the story goes on.
Since ephedra diet supplements allowed weight loss without diet or exercise, many dieters loved them. Clinical research revealed that ephedra products were effective even for those who did not exercise. Very few supplements on the market are effective in the absence of physical activity. In one study, participants who took 20 mg of ephedrine, 200 mg of caffeine, and 325 mg of aspirin three times a day without exercising lost 10 pounds of fat in six weeks.
The central nervous system naturally produces ephedra. Originally derived from the Ephedra equisetina plant, it is now produced chemically. It is a white, crystalline substance that dissolves well in water and alcohol. Despite being far less strong and having a longer half-life, it is closely related to methamphetamines.
Ephedra diet supplements are occasionally mixed with aspirin and caffeine to help dieters lose weight faster.
Products made with "ephedra leaves" are now being sold since ephedra diet supplements are prohibited. However, a lot of dieters are discovering that these products can't replace the real thing. Although ephedra leaves are legal, many people believe they have no effect at all.
The Ephedra weight loss supplement controversy is still going strong. Manufacturers and dieters are fighting to legalize ephedra weight loss supplements again, even though it is currently illegal to sell the substance.