Our Blog

FDA says supplement ingredient DMAA is illegal and dangerous

An ingredient used in many products touted to help you lose weight and build muscle is deadly and illegal, according to the government.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to not buy any dietary supplements that contain the ingredient dimethylamylamine, or DMAA.

The most serious DMAA side effects include:

  • Death
  • Heart Attack
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Heat Stroke
  • Seizure
  • Kidney Failure
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Liver Failure
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Heart palpitations

Some examples of products containing DMAA  include OxyElite Pro and Jack3d.

The FDA warns that the ingredient is especially dangerous when taken with caffeine.

Last year, the FDA sent warning letters to 11 companies, asking them to stop making and selling all products containing DMAA. All but one of the companies has complied.

Although the FDA has previously investigated DMAA and questioned the legality of the ingredient, this is the first time the agency has directly warned consumers about the hazards of DMAA. Supplements containing DMAA have been on the market since 2007.

The FDA has received 86 reports of illnesses and death linked to supplements containing DMAA, although the agency admits these reports do not prove that the supplements were the cause of the health problems. The majority are voluntary reports from consumers and healthcare practitioners. The illnesses reported include heart problems and nervous system or psychiatric disorders.

Dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before they are sold to consumers, unlike pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The FDA can only take action once a supplement is on the market.

Too often, companies push products to market in pursuit of profits. Millions of Americans are trying to lose weight and many will try any new product marketed to help in that effort. Unfortunately, the drug recall attorneys of Elk & Elk have seen too many cases where products have had serious and sometimes deadly side effects.

If you are trying to lose weight and use dietary supplements, check the label and make sure it does not contain DMAA. The FDA advises consumers who want to buy supplements to stick with vitamins and minerals, or single-ingredient supplements. Also, look for supplements that are certified by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) or NSF International.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous prescription drug, you need an experienced drug recall attorney. For a list of cases we are currently investigating, visit our website.