FDA Bans Ephedra

Officials at the Food & Drug Administration recently banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra (the chemical ephedrine). The stimulant has been determined to present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Hmm...I wonder if they will determine Nicotine to "present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury"? Nah....too much money involved!

The ban marks the first time U.S. officials have blocked the sale of an over-the-counter nutritional supplement. It's important to check labels carefully. Ephedra is often listed as epitonin, ma huang, sida cordifolia or sinica and frequently sold in formulations with large amounts of caffeine.

Ephedra can be a dangerous heart stimulant that's similar in effect to amphetamines when used improperly. A medical examiner said an ephedra supplement was linked to the death of Baltimore Oriole's pitcher Steve Bechler.