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Ephedra Guide

Increase your understanding of this popular and controversial supplement with information from University of Maryland experts

News Update: On December 30, 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it will ban dietary supplements containing ephedra because of associated health risks such as heart attacks and stroke. The agency intends to issue a final rule prohibiting their sale, which will become effective 60 days after the new rule is published. The FDA also issued a consumer alert on the safety of ephedra, advising consumers to immediately stop buying and using ephedra products. For more information, visit the FDA Web site.

Ephedra Guide

The herbal supplement ephedra, the subject of controversy for some time, has been the focus of renewed attention since the recent death of Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechler. Ephedra is widely used as a weight loss and sports performance aid. But there is much concern about the safety and effectiveness of this popular supplement.

We've created this guide -- with information and advice from a variety of University of Maryland experts -- to help you learn more about ephedra. Also, check our comprehensive lists of products containing ephedra and label ingredients indicating ephedra compounds.

This page was last updated on: April 16, 2007.

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