DMAA Banned from Bases

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joseph A. Pagán Jr.
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Department of Defense has temporarily banned any product containing 1,3 Dimethylamylamine from base stores for further review of any serious side effects.

DMAA is very similar to ephedrine, which is also used as a nasal decongestant, for its effects as a fat- burner and appetite suppressant.

DoD spokesman Peter Graves said, "These products are legal substances and, as yet, no link between DMAA and the medical conditions reported by military providers has been validated scientifically by us. The DoD has asked for the products to be pulled from shelves as a precautionary measure."

There were two occurrences reported may prove DMAA to be harmful. Both incidents were linked to the deaths of two soldiers after they ingested over-the-counter supplements containing DMAA and then performed intense exercise.

"It's important to understand that it's not just the supplement itself that is the problem; how it is used and the context matters too," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Oh, Chief, Health Promotion, Air Force Medical Support Agency. "DMAA and other stimulants are likely to pose higher risk when associated with vigorous activity in hot conditions, when there would be higher risk for hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). Similarly, DMAA is probably riskier if inappropriately combined with other stimulant products, including caffeinated-energy drinks."

Although DMAA has been removed from base stores, the product is not banned to the military users People who still wish to use it can find it outside the gates at any retail store that would normally sell the dietary supplement, but should be mindful.

"I personally would be very cautious when using dietary supplements," said Dr. Aaron Jacobs, Air Force Drug Testing Program manager. "Anyone who wants to use dietary supplements should consult with their primary care physician before consuming these products. Individuals can have different reactions to various supplements."