DMAA: What You Should Know

Recently the FDA has started to undertake measures towards forcing supplement companies to remove the ingredient DMAA from their products and destroy any existing batches that contained it.

DMAA, also known as 1,3-dimethylamylamine or methylhexanamine, is a derivative of amphetamine and included in supplements for its stimulating and fat-burning properties, both of which are reputedly strong. Unfortunately, use of the drug can cause serious side effects which range from respiratory problems, chest pains, elevated blood pressure and heart attack.

Needless to say, it is recommended that you do not take any supplement with DMAA in it. The FDA have some power but there are still companies seemingly willing to manufacture products containing this ingredient, therefore it is wise to check before purchasing any supplements that may contain stimulants and fat-burning ingredients.

We enjoy finding the best fat burners on the market for you to read about and try, but rest assured that none of the products we recommend contain DMAA or anything else that could present such serious side effects.

What is DMAA?

1,3-dimethylamylamine was originally developed in the mid 1940s as a nasal decongestant to be used in inhalers. The company that did so voluntarily removed it from the market in the early 1980s due to safety concerns.

It has since been sold by different companies as an energy boosting stimulant and fat-burning supplement.

Several deaths have been linked with the use of DMAA as a performance enhancing supplement, and it has subsequently been banned by most sporting and government agencies, including the FDA.

DMAA as a Supplement

In 2006, after Ephedrine had finally been fully banned for use, there was a hole in the market for a strong stimulant. DMAA was re-introduced to the market and sold as an energy and thermogenic fat-burning ingredient. It regularly appeared alongside caffeine in the ingredient list of supplements.

Often, DMAA appears as some form of Geranium extract

Physiological Reaction

DMAA constricts blood vessels in the body which means it can effect several major systems including the heart, most importantly. It has a long life cycle in the body, so a user can be at risk of dosing too much should they take it on more than one occasion over the span of a day or two.

Effects on the heart and elevation of blood pressure can occur after a single dose as small as 50mg. The FDA warn that the use of this drug could lead to heart attack, and has, in fact. There is also concern that if stacked with other stimulants, the negative side effects could be compounded.

Banned Status

Over the course of the last four years, DMAA has been banned for inclusion in dietary or sports supplements in countries, including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has written to several companies advising them that the manufacture of dietary supplements containing DMAA is illegal. They also advise people of the potential for adverse side effects on their website.

Most of these companies have complied and destroyed their stocks of supplements containing this ingredient. Certain companies have continued to manufacture them.

Recommended Safe Alternatives

Here at YouButSlimmer we make it our mission to find the strongest fat-burners and diet pills available, but we never want someone to compromise their health when losing their unwanted fat – it’s just not worth it.