The ambiguity of 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA) still plagues members of regulatory agencies around the world. As a result, intensive investigations regarding the safety and origin of DMAA supplements continue to alter the perception of the once popular dietary supplement. However, a recent turn of events suggests that regulatory agencies are placing less emphasis on determining the origins of DMAA, and more on its safety concerns. One agency in particular, the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom, has begun to focus their efforts on the safety and efficacy of 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.
Until now, those misconceptions have served as the foundation for recent investigations. Regulatory agencies typically sought to determine whether or not DMAA is a synthetically developed drug or a natural constituent of a rare geranium plant found in a Chinese province. However, the MHRA has acknowledged that they are more concerned with the safety issues surrounding DMAA than legality concerns. “Whether the product is or is not of herbal origin is not relevant under UK legislation.”
Accordingly, the MHRA has joined the growing list of international food and medicines agencies that have begun to focus their efforts into the effects and usage of DMAA. Among those currently conducting such investigations are the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and authorities in France, Italy and Ireland.
The reasoning behind the shift seems to be centered around the deaths of two U.S. soldiers. According to an Army spokesman, DMAA had been identified in the toxicology reports of the two soldiers who suffered fatal heart attacks during physical exercise. Last summer, a 22-year-old soldier collapsed at an Army base in the Southwest during a training run with his unit. The fallowing fall witnessed a 32-year-old soldier at the same base collapse after taking a physical fitness test. 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.
Further complicating the situation surrounding the supplement are two pending class action DMAA lawsuits. Each of which suggest that DMAA was illegally marketed with unsubstantiated claims. Seeing as how there is no substantial evidence to suggest the ingredient is in fact a derivative of geranium oil, plaintiffs have centered their argument around the fact that DMAA is an illegal drug.
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-(949) 557-5800.