US bans herbal weight loss supplement

The US government today banned the sale of ephedra, an herbal supplement used for weight control that has been linked to a number of deaths and harmful side effects.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said the ban was “based on the best possible scientific evidence.”

“The time to stop taking this product is now,” he said. ”They are just too risky to use.”

Thompson said the decision was “well grounded” and based on extensive scientific study. The ban would take effect in 60 days.

“I don’t want people turning to ephedra thinking they could lose weight,” Thompson said in Washington.

Mark McClellan, head of the Food and Drug Administration, said the agency was concerned about young people and athletes looking to ephedra to boost their performance. Use of the supplement has led to serious health effects, he said.

“Ephedra raises your blood pressure and stresses your system,” McClellan said. “There are far better, safer ways, to get in shape.”

Critics called the federal crackdown too late.

Sales in the US have plummeted because of publicity about roughly 155 deaths blamed on the amphetamine-like stimulant, including Baltimore Orioles baseball player Steve Bechler earlier this year.

Ephedra is linked to heart attacks and strokes, even when used by outwardly healthy people at recommended doses, because it speeds heart rate and constricts blood vessels.

Products containing ephedra are available in Britain but their supply is restricted.

A Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency spokesman said: “MHRA is aware of what is happening in the States and earlier this year wrote to all herbal practitioners to establish their views on the product and determine the extent of use within the UK.