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News--
Health Officials Warn Consumers About Ephedra
Feb 28, 2003

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health officials on Friday cautioned Americans against taking dietary supplements containing ephedra, recently cited for contributing to the death of a professional baseball player.

"There continue to be serious questions surrounding this particular dietary supplement," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson told a news conference.

Thompson and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Mark McClellan unveiled plans for a tough new warning label that would include death among the possible adverse effects.

The federal government is also seeking more evidence of whether ephedra, marketed for weight loss and boosting energy, poses a "significant or unreasonable risk of illness and injury," the standard of proof required under law before it can ban a dietary supplement.

"I would not take this, not give it to my family. And I don't know why anyone would take these products," Thompson said.

Manufacturers of the supplement have insisted their product is safe when taken as directed, but some consumer groups are lobbying to have ephedra products banned completely.

Ephedra can cause heart palpitations, tremor and insomnia, according to a RAND study released by Thompson on Friday. It has been the subject of debate for years.

The issue burst back into the spotlight last week with the Feb. 17 death of Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechler, who collapsing during spring training.

Bechler, 23, was slightly overweight and ephedra supplements were found in his locker.

Broward County, Florida, Medical Examiner Dr. Joshua Perper said he believed the supplement had something to do with Bechler's death from heatstroke.

"We want to caution all Americans, particularly athletes and those who engage in strenuous activity, about using dietary supplements that contain ephedra," Thompson said.

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