JEN'S COMMENTS One of my biggest concerns is when people think, "more must be better" and take way above the recommended dosage of dietary supplement products or combine them with multiple products. These are things that are not tested in a clinical study and can cause adverse reactions. Often I am unaware if athletes are taking these supplements and therefore will be a "step behind" in treating a reaction or side effect of a product. That's why communication is so important. It is difficult for anyone to keep up with the names and claims of different supplements even if they are in the health profession or involved with athletics. I hope that most of the athletes at LHS are comfortable asking me questions about dietary supplements- and many already have. If I am unfamiliar with a particular product I will not make up an answer, but will try to find reliable information about it. I also try to post up-to-date information in my office or on my bulletin board. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to bring them to me!! -JEN ACSM News Release on EPHEDRA Popular Supplements Containing EPHEDRA Tips for Searching the Web Information Additional Sources

EPHEDRA

INDIANAPOLIS -The toxicology report on Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechler released today implicates the use of the herbal supplement EPHEDRA in his death, and underscores once more the dangers of EPHEDRA use, particularly when combined with other risk factors.

Today, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) urged increased awareness of how the use of EPHEDRA can adversely affect the health of young athletes. Those in a position to influence the behavior of young athletes such as parents, coaches and youth sports governing organizations, should be aware of the dangers of EPHEDRA, the dietary supplement considered a factor in several deaths and adverse health events in athletes in recent years.

The consumption of EPHEDRA, also known as "ma huang," leads to increases in metabolism and in heart rate. People who exercise and/or train for competition in sporting events are exposed to risk because EPHEDRA may impair the body's ability to cool itself, thereby increasing the potential for heat-related illness during exercise. This fact only begins to address the dangers the supplement can pose to youth.

ACSM President Edward T. Howley, Ph.D., voices the concern that "products containing EPHEDRA are so readily available to children and adolescents who may not be aware of these dangers."

ACSM joins other concerned organizations that have publicly cautioned against the use of EPHEDRA. Concern centers on increased risk of heart irregularities, disturbances of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal problems, and stroke. Although some athletes may consume EPHEDRA in an attempt to improve their athletic performance and reach physical goals, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.

It is to easy for young people to access EPHEDRA. EPHEDRA is not currently regulated, as are other drugs that pose similar health threats. EPHEDRA, or its synthetic form ephedrine, can be found in a variety of over-the-counter asthma, cold, and allergy medications as a bronchodilator and decongestant.

ACSM also points out to the increased risk of health care problems when caffeine and EPHEDRA are used together. Some athletes will engage in the dangerous practice of "stacking", or using EPHEDRA and caffeine at the same time, possibly in combination with other supplements, to achieve enhanced athletic performance or weight loss. Also, the use of EPHEDRA coupled with casual consumption of caffeine, like that found in soda, may enhance the dangers of the product.

ACSM applauds the growing attention by US governmental bodies to ephedra's wide availability and its potential risks. Several members of Congress are considering the introduction of bills related to EPHEDRA. The Food and Drug Administration may soon require a warning on products containing EPHEDRA. Action also is being taken at the community level as witnessed when a law banning the sale of EPHEDRA recently passed in Suffolk County, New York. ACSM encourages parents, coaches, and all Americans concerned with accessibility and lack of regulation of EPHEDRA to express their concerns to their governmental representatives in Congress and their communities.

Other things to consider:

• The American Medical Association has urged the Food and Drug Administration to ban dietary supplements containing EPHEDRA.
• The International Olympic Committee, National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association have banned its use.
• Dietary supplement products are not reviewed by the government before they are marketed.

Popular supplements containing EPHEDRA/ephedrine, also called "ma huang":

Cybertrim Ultra Orange Metabolife Ripped Fuel Diet Fuel Stacker 3 Natural Trim Hydroxycut

Hydroxymax Xenadrine RFA-1 Metab-O-Lite Up Your Gas Truckers Luv It Yellow Jackets Natrol High Metabolfirm

Therma Pro. Nature's Nutrition Formula One There are many others!

FDA link to EPHEDRA info: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Edms/ds-ephed.html

Tips for Searching the Web Information:

Given the abundance and conflicting nature of information now available about dietary supplements, you may need help to sort the reliable information from the questionable. Below are tips and resources that can help:

• Who operates the site?
  Is the site run by the government, a university, or a reputable medical or health-related association?
  
  
• What's the purpose of the site?
  Is the purpose of the site to objectively educate the public or just to sell a product?
  
  
• What is the source of the information? Are there any references?
  Has the study been reviewed by recognized scientific experts and published in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals? Can you check the authenticity of the references?
  
  
• Is the information current?
  
  
• Ask yourself: Does it sound too good to be true?
  Learn to distinguish hype from evidence-based science.