If you have ever been up late one night, (which I am sure all
college students have), you ha
ve probably seen infomercials for new diets and weight loss
pills. There are numerous amounts of over–the-counter supplements
available at places like Wal-Mart and GNC. In an age where
appearance counts for so much, shedding the pounds is always a
concern. Long gone are the days of calisthenics and jump rope.
Instead, “miracle diets” and weight loss pills are substituted. One
of the most controversial supplements is ephedrine, which is found
in Stacker, Hydroxycut, Metabolife and numerous other dietary
supplements. Ephedrine is an all-natural stimulant found in the
ephedra plant. The stimulant is known to help weight loss and boost
energy; however, the Food and Drug Administration has linked
ephedrine to more than 50 deaths, and side effects range from heart
attacks to strokes and high blood pressure.
Several professional and amateur sports associations including
the NFL, International Olympic Committee and the NCAA have banned
the supplement to protect its athletes. Absent from that list is
Major League Baseball.
On Monday, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler collapsed and
died at training camp. While heat stroke was the official cause of
death, the autopsy showed that ephedrine was in his body and may
have contributed to his death.
After Bechler’s death on Monday, MLB has considered adding
ephedrine to its list of banned supplements. Although higher
profile players like David Wells have admitted to using the
product, the cost, benefits, and safety of all players must e
weighted.
When I first heard of Bechler’s death last week, I started to
question the use of ephedrine by non-athlete consumers. Over the
past year and a half, I have known friends to take supplements
containing ephedrine without consulting a doctor. I would notice my
friends taking the weight loss pills and not exercise or maintain a
proper diet. I would even notice them take more than what is
recommended on the bottle for an “added boost of energy.” I don’t
think that consumers are properly warned about the possible
injuries that can occur by taking this supplement.
An investigation of Metabolife by the U.S. Department of Justice
is underway to find out whether or not the company lied about
ephedrine-related injuries and deaths over the past 5 years.
Numerous class-action lawsuits have been filed against Metabolife
along with several other companies concerning ephedrine-related
injuries.
So who is to blame? The consumer or the manufacturer? In some
cases of high blood pressure, patients have admitted to using more
than the recommended dosage. There have also been cases where lack
of exercise was a factor.
Whatever the case, deaths are unacceptable. While there are
millions of people who take ephedrine and have no side effects,
enough questions exist to warrant taking action. Whether it is
posting more warnings on bottles or making it a prescription-only
drug, the average consumer must be made more aware of ephedrine’s
dangers.
David Miller is a junior communication major.