Experts Say Ephedra is Safe When Consumed as Directed
Ephedra, contained in billions of servings of herbal dietary supplements since 1995, is safe when consumed as the label directs, according to a panel of experts who have extensively reviewed the scientific evidence. On Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to release approximately 70 new reports it has received over three years from consumers claiming adverse events related to Ephedra consumption.
“These reports must be carefully analyzed, but it is encouraging that the incidence of reported problems is declining while the level of use is increasing,” said Dr. John N. Hathcock, director of nutritional and regulatory science for the Council for Responsible Nutrition. He added that if the flawed reports are eliminated, it is not clear there will be any credible evidence left that Ephedra is unsafe when used according to label directions.
Dr. Theodore M. Farber has spent more time than any expert analyzing what are called adverse event reports (AERs). “The previous AERs and other research do not create a compelling scientific case for the FDA to rule that Ephedra is unsafe,” he said. “Preliminary evaluation of the new reports do not change our current scientific assessment.”
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a Chinese herb used for 5,000 years and is now found in dietary supplements in the U.S. In 1997, the FDA proposed a rule that would amount to a ban of these products from the market. After a congressional inquiry and criticism by the General Accounting Office and others, it backed away from its proposed consumption restrictions last month. Millions of Americans are now using products containing Ephedra, primarily for increased energy and as an aid to weight loss.
“Excess weight is a serious and growing problem, with 280,000 deaths attributable to obesity each year,” according to Dr. Norbert Page. “Any potential risks with any consumer products must be measured against benefits and supported by solid scientific evidence before beneficial products are denied to people seeking and needing healthier lifestyles.”
Suggested Reading:
