On August 8, 2012, 1,3 dimethylamylamine (DMAA) was added to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Appendix C of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). Originally used in nutritional products as a supplement, consumer use over time proved it has psychoactive qualities for some people and so was barred from sale and use. Because of its inclusion in Appendix C (medicines and poisons) rather than Schedule 9 (illicit products typically abused), it is not considered an illicit drug, meaning those who possess it in weight loss and sports nutrition products purchased before August 8, 2012 are not in possession of an illegal substance. However, workers using the products present a workplace safety hazard because there is no way to predict the results.
The issue should be laid to rest by now, but various interested parties, notably supplement manufacturers, continue to report that DMAA is a natural product, as opposed to a synthetic one. When DMAA was first introduced as a natural stimulant in products, it was marketed as being extracted from Chinese geraniums. Marketers like to use “Chinese” in the description of supplement product because it implies ancient knowledge and practices are being adapted to modern formulas. The implication is that, if the Chinese have used a substance safely for thousands of years, it must be safe and effective for humans today.
DMAA sometimes shows up in drug tests because its chemical composition is similar to amphetamines. In addition, people using products with DMAA may be taking other prescription or illicit drugs, and there is no way to know how these substances and DMAA are interacting. If something is coming from geraniums, then how does it drug test like an amphetamine? That is the controversy that continues to pop up despite the TGA’s action. It is suspected that DMAA users and retailers are keeping this story alive because they are planning on developing similar, but new, stimulants that are “Chinese” and “natural.”
Testing to Find the Truth
Almost all DMAA is synthetic. A comprehensive laboratory controlled test conducted in July studied two different synthetic DMAA substances in terms of concentration and chemical form found in 13 different supplements. The results clearly showed that the molecular formulas (stereoisomer’s) were identical, giving them a baseline. The researchers then studied eight commercial products made with geranium extracts, with the extracts coming from various Chinese and Middle East areas. The results indicated that no DMAA was detected in the products made with geranium extracts.
A recent USPlabs funded University of Memphis study reported around the world, including in Australia, indicated that DMAA was detected in some select varieties of Chinese geranium.2 USPlabs is the company that sold DMAA supplements and naturally was unhappy when DMAA was barred. However, the select varieties are not commonly found, meaning there would not be enough available for mass production. That is most likely why supplement manufacturers were using synthetic versions.
Since DMAA has already been barred from use and sale, why even discuss these newest post-TGA decision studies? As mentioned, it is still being used by workers who have unused product in their homes. More importantly, DMAA is a good example of the public effort to keep synthetic, natural supplements safe for consumers and to keep workers from unintentionally using unsafe products while working. Touting a natural substance as safe when it can test positive like an amphetamine and cause psychoactive side effects is unacceptable. Thirdly, employers need to stay as informed as possible about synthetic drugs, so workers can also be kept informed also through workplace drug and alcohol awareness programs.
More Questions Than Answers About the Next Supplements
Staying ahead of synthetic supplements requires ongoing effort. DMAA has been barred, but a new product is taking its place called dendrobium. Dendrobium comes from dendrobium nobile, which is a Chinese orchid. It is a recognized as a legitimate dietary ingredient that can increase energy levels and promote rehydration, so is used in popular pre-workout supplements. That sounds harmless enough.
However, in March 2012 a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States in the belief that the manufacturer of dendrobium containing supplement Craze actually contains synthetic amphetamine drugs called phenylethylamines.3 Available online to Australians, the same questions must be asked that were asked of DMAA. Will its use lead to some workers testing positive for amphetamines during drug testing? Are there long-term side effects that could jeopardise workplace safety? Will TGA now have to spend months studying the newest supplement to determine if it contains amphetamines? Currently, TGA identifies dendrobium nobile as a plant that can be used in listed Australian medicines, but it is also subject to import-export restrictions. Dendrobium nubile is listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
The drug world is highly complex, which is why it is so important to use a reputable and experienced company like Mediscreen (mediscreen.net.au/). Mediscreen offers a 24-7 helpline and drug screening so that employers can easily obtain confirmation drug testing as needed.
This article has been taken from http://mediscreen.net.au/articles/?p=2057
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