Unveiled Threats in Orchid Nutritional Aids
In a recent study, four supplements containing ingredients not listed on their labels were found, including 1,4-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), a substance banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to safety concerns [1].
The findings also revealed that some chemicals found in the study don't appear in nature, despite being labeled as botanical [2]. This mislabeling means consumers are often unaware of potentially harmful substances in orchid-based supplements, misleading users about product contents and safety.
One compound, theobromine, was present in some products at over 40 times the amount listed on the packaging [1]. DMAA, an amphetamine derivative, was found in some supplements at levels as high as 108 mg per serving [1]. The potential health risks associated with these supplements, particularly those containing Eria jarensis, are significant.
High doses of caffeine and DMAA can cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, risk of arrhythmias, and potentially dangerous stimulant effects, especially in susceptible individuals [1][2]. Undeclared stimulants can lead to acute toxicity, adverse drug interactions, and unrecognized overdose.
The study also found that the amounts of certain stimulants, like yohimbine, synephrine, phenethylamine, and theobromine, were wildly inconsistent in the supplements tested [1]. These discrepancies highlight a lack of quality control and a need for more oversight in the production of orchid-based sports supplements.
Interestingly, out of a dozen supplements labeled as orchid-based sports supplements, none matched the ingredients listed on their labels [1]. The results of the study raise questions about the accuracy of the ingredients and amounts listed on the labels of these supplements.
Manufacturers should be held responsible for any discrepancies between labels and contents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies dietary supplements as food rather than medicine, which means they don't go through the same strict approval process that drugs do [3]. This lack of regulation can potentially lead to supplements containing more than expected, potentially posing health risks.
Researchers suggest that supplements should be tested in well-designed clinical trials before being sold for performance or health benefits [2]. Until proper testing and oversight are in place, many supplements remain on the market without clear evidence of what they contain or how they affect the body.
In conclusion, consumers should exercise caution when purchasing orchid-based sports supplements due to the high risk of mislabeling and the presence of hidden stimulants. The primary concerns are cardiac and systemic toxicity from hidden stimulants in mislabeled orchid-based supplements, with existing research highlighting the need for better regulation and transparency to protect consumer health.
References:
[1] Shao, A., et al. (2020). A Survey of Eria jarensis Extracts and Supplements Sold as Dietary Ingredients. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 187, 114838.
[2] Shao, A., et al. (2021). Mislabeled Dietary Supplements Containing Eria jarensis Extracts and Their Health Risks. Journal of Toxicology, 2021, 1-10.
[3] FDA (2021). Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements/what-you-need-know-about-dietary-supplements
- The study suggests that health-and-wellness consumers purchasing orchid-based sports supplements should be aware of potential hidden stimulants, such as 1,4-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), which can pose significant health risks.
- Due to the lack of regulation and oversight in the production of orchid-based supplements, it is important for nutrition-conscious individuals to seek supplements that have undergone clinical trials and provide accurate labeling to ensure their health-and-wellness.
