While DMAA is currently legal in the United States, products containing this ambiguous ingredient have become the recipient of increasing scorn. Regulatory agencies around the world are currently conducting investigations into whether or not DMAA is a natural derivative of geranium oil or a synthetically developed drug, calling into question its status as a dietary supplement. Furthermore, the recent influx of injuries, believed to be linked to DMAA use, has caused both consumers and healthcare officials to reevaluate their position on products containing this questionable ingredient.
Products containing DMAA have been marketed as a dietary supplements. When combined with caffeine and other ingredients, DMAA may be used as an over-the-counter thermogenic or general purpose stimulant intended to increase workout energy and efficiency. There are currently an abundance of DMAA products on store shelves. However, misconceptions regarding the origins and safety of DMAA have caused a great deal of controversy in the pharmaceutical industry.
In response to the growing concern regarding DMAA products, regulatory agencies around the world are currently in the middle of conducting intensive investigations in order to determine the origins of this ingredient.
Shrouding the origins of DMAA in ambiguity is the Chinese study from which many dietary supplement manufacturers received their information. According to the “Ping Study,” DMAA is a natural derivative of the geranium plant. Accordingly, the findings of this study were published in a non reputable, peer-reviewed journal of chemistry. It was from this journal that the majority of dietary supplement manufacturers obtained their information on DMAA.
However, many healthcare professionals are dismissing the claims made by this journal, suggesting that it was a contrived marketing ploy or a simple mistranslation. Many believe that DMAA is the product of synthetic adulterated substances that are disguising themselves as geranium extract to avoid U.S. Food and Drug Administration (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.” As it currently stands, there is no evidence to suggest DMAA is derived from the oil of geraniums.
Contributing to the criticism, are claims that DMAA-containing products pose as a serious health risk. Substantiating such a claim, are the deaths of 2 U.S. soldiers believed to be the victims of DMAA. Mr. Graves, an Army representative, said that DMAA had been identified in the toxicology reports of 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 has removed DMAA products from military shelves.
Dr. Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, acknowledged that “what we’ve seen is that DMAA in supplements has been connected to situations where the heart has gone suddenly into failure due to excessive stress.”
In response to these adverse situations, officials at the Human Performance Resource Center (HPRC) have compiled a list of currently available commercial products that contain DMAA. While the list is currently up to date, some manufacturers have already modified their products to exclude DMAA and others may do so in the future. The following is a comprehensive list of all of the terms and synonyms used to indicate the presence of DMAA in a dietary supplement:
• 1,3-dimethylamylamine
• 1,3-dimethylpentylamine
• 2-amino-4-methylhexane
• 2-hexanamine,4-methyl-(9Cl)
• 4-methyl-2-hexanamine
• 4-methyl-2-hexylamine
• 4-methylhexan-2-amine (IUPAC)
• C7H17N (chemical formula)
• CAS 105-41-9
• dimethylamylamine (DMAA)
• dimethylpentylamine (DMP)
• DMAA
• Forthan
• Forthane
• Fouramin
• Geranamine (Proviant™)
• Geranium extract
• Geranium flower extract
• Geranium oil
• Geranium oil extract
• Geranium stems and leaves
• Metexaminum
• Methexaminum
• Methylhexanamine
• Methylhexaneamine (MHA)
• Pelargonium (various)
• Pentylamine
Due to the staggering amount of products and subsequent synonyms used to describe DMAA, consumers may not even realize that they are taking a potentially dangerous product. If you or a loved one has used any of the previously mentioned products and experienced adverse side effects, contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding your potential DMAA lawsuit.
Do I Have a DMAA Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in DMAA lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
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.