Because of the increasing amount of information on ephedrine's dangers, the FDA banned all supplements containing it, but UNM is not expecting to feel any effects from the decision.
Ephedrine, derived from an herb native to central Asia, is commonly used to enhance sports performance, increase energy and is used as a weight loss supplement.
The ban, which was decided on in late December, will not go into effect until late January.
In the meantime, the FDA issued a warning to consumers against products that contain ephedrine, including various nutritional supplements and some cold medications.
According to the FDA's Web site, abuse of ephedrine has been attributed to serious health conditions such as heart palpitations, gastrointestinal problems and hyperactivity.
David Binder, UNM's head athletic trainer, said the University's athletic program will not feel the ban's effects because it has never used products containing ephedrine.
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Binder said the athletic department has nonetheless tested UNM athletes for the stimulant since the NCAA banned ephedrine in 1997 after determining that it did indeed unfairly enhance athletic performance.
"We follow the NCAA rules," Binder said. "If an athlete tests positive, they're done with the program."
Phoenix Gentry, sales manager at R. Downs, an Albuquerque-based nutrition store, said ephedrine itself is not dangerous but that it is abused by the public and by athletes looking to gain an edge on their competition.
"If ephedra is used properly, it can work well," Gentry said. "If it is used improperly, it can have detrimental effects to the body."
Gentry said ephedrine is also used as a weight loss supplement, and people tend to overuse the product in hopes of faster results.
He said R. Downs stopped selling ephedrine prior to the FDA ban because of the serious health risks associated with it.
"It was a safer move for our store to go that route," Gentry said.
Gentry said he is aware of many manufacturers who have quit producing the drug and, since companies heard the drug was about to be banned, they quit selling it.
According to Gentry there are safer alternatives to ephedrine, adding that nothing is better than a healthy lifestyle and a strict exercise regimen.
"A balanced lifestyle can keep weight off more effectively and in a safer manner than with ephedrine or any other supplements," Gentry said.
