For immediate release:
December 31, 2003
Contact:
Scott Clardy
573/751-6111
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Warns
Consumers about
Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements
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.