Synthetic Stimulants Found in 89% of Sports Supplements

In recent years, the sports supplement industry has witnessed a surge in popularity, with promises of enhanced performance and improved fitness. However, a concerning study conducted by scientists from Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, the University of Mississippi, and NSF International has shed light on a startling reality – the labels on sports supplements are often inaccurate, and some products even contain unlabelled banned drug substances. 

The research “Presence and Quantity of Botanical Ingredients with Purported Performance-Enhancing Properties in Sports Supplements,” published in JAMA Network Open, analysed fifty-seven sports supplement products purchased online. These products were selected based on their association with five popular supplements: R vomitoria, methylliberine, turkesterone, halostachine, and octopamine. 

The findings of the study were alarming. 89% of the supplements were inaccurately labelled, and 12% of the tested products contained unlabelled banned drug substances. Among the identified adulterants were synthetic stimulants and pharmaceutical compounds, which can have serious health consequences when consumed unknowingly. 

The synthetic stimulant 1,4-Dimethylhexylamine, or 1,4-DMAA, is an analogue of 1,3-DMAA, which the FDA classifies as an amphetamine derivative. Its consumption can lead to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular problems, including shortness of breath, chest tightening, and heart attacks. Deterenol, also known as Betaphrine, is another synthetic stimulant banned in most countries and not approved for human use in the US. Its ingestion has been linked to adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, agitation, palpitations, chest pain, and cardiac arrest. 

Octodrine, a discontinued nasal decongestant developed in the 1940s, can cause hypertension, dyspnea, and hyperthermia, although it remains poorly studied. Oxilofrine developed as a pharmaceutical stimulant to increase heart rate and blood pressure, has never been approved for use in the US as a prescription drug, let alone as an unregulated dietary supplement. Its consumption has been associated with severe adverse effects, including vomiting, agitation, and cardiac arrest. 

Surprisingly, omberacetam, a nootropic analogue of piracetam used elsewhere to treat brain injuries, dementia, and cognitive impairments, was also mixed in with the list of stimulants. Adverse effects of piracetam include anxiety, insomnia, agitation, depression, drowsiness, and weight gain. 

These unapproved pharmaceutical drugs in supplements raise significant concerns, especially since they are not subjected to the same stringent regulatory rules as dose-specific medications. The FDA categorizes them as a food subcategory, making it challenging to regulate their production and ensure consumer safety. 

The responsibility for evaluating the safety and labelling of these products falls on supplement companies before marketing them. The FDA can act against any adulterated or misbranded dietary supplement after it reaches the market, usually resulting in product recalls and destruction. However, identifying and holding responsible the companies responsible for such mislabelling can be complicated. 

Moreover, the study also uncovered products that contained multiple combinations of banned substances, which have never been tested on humans before. This discovery raises grave ethical concerns, as consumers unknowingly become subjects in an uncontrolled experiment with potentially harmful consequences. 

There is a pressing need for stricter regulation of the sports supplement industry to address these critical issues. The current classification of supplements as food subcategories does not protect consumers from potential harm. The FDA must consider reevaluating the categorization of these products and implementing more rigorous testing and labelling requirements. 

Furthermore, supplement manufacturers should be held accountable for accurately labelling their products and ensuring their safety before releasing them. Regulatory bodies must impose strict penalties on those guilty of adulterating or mislabeling supplements. Consumers also play a crucial role in safeguarding their health. It is essential to be cautious and informed when purchasing sports supplements, only choosing products from reputable and trusted sources. Consulting with healthcare professionals before incorporating supplements into one’s diet can also help mitigate potential risks. 

The recent study on sports supplements has exposed the hidden dangers lurking in the industry. The presence of unlabelled banned drug substances and inaccurately labelled ingredients pose severe health risks to consumers. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort from regulatory bodies, supplement manufacturers, and informed consumers to ensure the safety and integrity of sports supplements. Stricter regulations and greater transparency are necessary to protect consumers and promote a healthier supplement market.