April 14, 2003 – A new study confirms that ephedra can have an adverse or even fatal impact on health, especially in the case of athletes.
In this study, athletes were given either a placebo or a combination of 150 mg of caffeine and 20 mg of ephedra. Over-the-counter ephedra tablets frequently contain this same combination of the two ingredients.
Study participants were required to exercise 30 minutes and then 60 minutes after swallowing their tablets. Those who took the ephedra-caffeine combination had higher blood pressure before, during and after exercise. Their heart rate was also faster.
The researchers therefore come to the conclusion that a combination of ephedra and caffeine has a marked stimulating effect on the cardiac system, which could explain why it seems to have played a role in the deaths of several athletes.1.
Ephedra has so far been implicated in around 100 deaths and is banned by several sports organizations, such as the National Football League and the International Olympic Committee.
Earlier this month, the American Heart Association called on the US government to ban the sale of ephedra, saying the risks associated with it are significantly greater than its supposed benefits.
Unanimity remains to be achieved, however. The US Ephedra Education Council says the dangers of ephedra have yet to be scientifically proven, while other studies suggest that the substance can be used safely.2
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Washington Post, April 4, 2003, and WebMD Health, April 11, 2003.
1. Shekelle PG, Hardy ML, Morton SC, Maglione M, Mojica WA, Suttorp MJ, Rhodes SL, Jungvig L, Gagne J. Efficacy and safety of ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss and athletic performance: a meta-analysis.JAMA 2003 Mar 26; 289 (12): 1537-45. [Consulté le 14 avril 2003].
2. Boozer CN, Daly PA, Homel P, Solomon JL, Blanchard D, Nasser JA, Strauss R, Meredith T. Herbal ephedra / caffeine for weight loss: a 6-month randomized safety and efficacy trial.Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002 May; 26 (5): 593-604. [Consulté le 14 avril 2003].
