London Marathon runner died after taking supplements containing DMAA
Regarding the recent news of the sudden death of a London Marathon runner, the Hong Kong Sports Doping Committee would like to remind all sports enthusiasts and the local sports community of the risks of taking supplements. The sudden death of Ms. Claire Squires, who participated in last year's London Marathon, was determined to be caused by taking a DMAA-containing supplement (Jack 3D) and excessive physical exertion. To avoid similar tragedies or related risks from happening again, athletes and the public are requested to pay attention to the following matters before taking supplements.
Health Risks
Numerous studies have shown that supplements contain ingredients that may be harmful to the body. For example, DMAA can constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure, affecting cardiovascular function and leading to shortness of breath or even heart attack. Supplements containing ephedrine, synephrine and yohimibine can cause side effects such as kidney failure, convulsions and heart attacks. Other supplements commonly used by bodybuilders may contain various steroids that are not listed on the label and may cause acute liver and renal failure.
Risk of positive test
Unlike drugs, supplements do not have very strict production and labeling requirements, and the disclosed or undisclosed ingredients may be banned sports drugs. According to the strict liability principle, athletes must be held responsible for any banned substances detected in their bodies, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore, athletes should carefully weigh the risks involved before deciding to use supplements.
Regulated by the Pharmaceutical Substances Ordinance
?Because DMAA is a dangerous irritant, it has been listed as a medical drug in many countries and regions, including Hong Kong.Drugs are regulated. Starting from April 1, 2013, it is illegal to sell or distribute any unregistered DMAA products in Hong Kong and may be prosecuted by the authorities.
Following warnings issued by many countries around the world, including the United States and Australia, Jack3d, a fitness nutritional supplement popular among sports enthusiasts, has been banned by the British authorities because the product contains the fatal stimulant dimethylamylamine (DMAA).
Ensuring public safety
Jack3d is said to improve energy, concentration, endurance, metabolism and other functions, but DMAA contained in the product is the most commonly used fitness aid or dietary supplement, because this substance can narrow blood vessels, increase heart rate, and produce physiological changes in the body. utility. However, the British Food and Drug Administration stated that DMAA will cause great pressure on the heart of users, "may have an impact on cardiac function, causing difficulty breathing, rising blood pressure, headache, vomiting and other phenomena. In severe cases, it may Cause death.
Jack3d's nutritional supplements are generally sold on the Internet, but they are also sold in some professional body product stores. The British Medicines Agency stated that Jack3d is not an unlicensed product, but to protect public safety, all products containing DMAA must be removed from the shelves.