Senator Schumer Urges FDA to Ban Dietary Supplement BMPEA

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban over-the-counter dietary supplements that contain the stimulant beta-methylphenethylamine, or BMPEA. The stimulant, often marketed as a weight-loss aid, can lead to serious health problems, doctors say.

BMPEA can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as sleeplessness and other serious health problems, health experts warn. Consumers may be unaware they are taking BMPEA because it is often listed on labels as “Acacia rigidula,” according to The Wall Street Journal.

BMPEA, which closely resembles amphetamine stimulants, may be addictive, Schumer said. “In some cases, when it is listed, the chemical is made to sound like its natural—being called a ‘botanical.’ Many supplements promote health but it’s critical for consumers to be protected from those with harmful ingredients,” he noted in a news release.

“The FDA has all the proof it needs to exercise their authority and take these dietary and workout pills off store shelves, but consumers still know none of the risks,” he said.

The FDA told the newspaper that a “review of the available information on products containing BMPEA does not identify a specific safety concern at this time. If we determine that regulatory action is appropriate at a later time, the FDA will consider taking such action to protect consumers.”

Earlier this month, 14 state attorneys general asked Congress to launch an investigation of the herbal supplement industry. The FDA should be given more oversight of herbal supplements, the attorneys general said in a letter to the chairmen of congressional subcommittees on product safety and health.

Last month GNC agreed to institute new testing procedures on its herbal products, after the New York State Attorney General’s office accused the company and other major retailers of selling adulterated and/or mislabeled dietary supplements.