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Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services Warns Consumers about
Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements
December 31, 2003
Contact:
Scott Clardy
573/751-6111
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services today
endorsed a Consumer Alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) stating that dietary supplements containing ephedra
present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The Alert
advises that these products should not be consumed.
Before issuing the Consumer Alert December 30, FDA gathered
and reviewed a large amount of evidence about ephedra. The
evidence included scientific studies showing little evidence
of ephedra's effectiveness except for short-term weight loss,
while finding that the substance raises blood pressure and
otherwise stresses the circulatory system. Significant adverse
health outcomes associated with ephedra include heart ailments
and strokes.
According to Scott Clardy, Administrator of DHSS' Section
for Environmental Public Health, the department supports FDA's
determination and advises consumers not to use ephedra-containing
dietary supplements. Clardy emphasized that consumers currently
using these products should stop their use immediately.
FDA plans to issue a final rule prohibiting the sale of ephedra-containing
dietary supplements, which will become effective 60 days after
its publication. Clardy said that once this rule is effective,
any such products in Missouri containing ephedra will be considered
adulterated, which in turn will make their entry into Missouri
commerce illegal.
"We want to make sure Missouri consumers are aware of
the health risks involved with dietary supplements containing
ephedra, and we strongly urge people to stop using these products
immediately," said Clardy. "Once the FDA rule is
in place, the sale and distribution of these products in Missouri
will be banned. The Department of Health and Senior Services
will take steps to assure these products are not sold in Missouri."
For more information on FDA's actions regarding ephedra-containing
dietary substances, visit their website at www.fda.gov.
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