Washington,
DC (November 7, 2000) --- "Haller's and Benowitz's findings
represent old information that has already been reviewed by
scientific and medical experts. In August, a panel of experts
reviewed and discredited the same adverse events, many of
which were deemed irrelevant by FDA. The expert panel, which
included leading scientists from around the country with backgrounds
in cardiology, cardiac pathology, toxicology and neurotoxicology
found that there was no association between Ephedra and serious
adverse events when it is taken as directed. Additionally,
the conclusions and summary data from an important new large,
long-term and well-designed clinical study conducted at Harvard
and Columbia Universities on Ephedra were released on November
1st, after the NEJM article was completed. The researchers'
conclusions from that study provide strong support for the
safety and usefulness of Ephedra products, and contradicts
Haller and Benowitz's conclusions.
Industry
does, and will continue to support warning labels that inform
the public of potential risks. However, it is important to
remember that obesity itself is considered a threat to public
health, and that Ephedra has been proven safe and useful in
combating this growing public health crisis with millions
of Americans finding it useful in managing their weight."
###
The Ephedra
Education Council is supported primarily by members of the
Ephedra Committee of the American Herbal Products Association,
a recognized leader in promoting the safe and responsible
marketing of dietary supplements. The Council provides factual
information to the media and public about dietary supplements
containing Ephedra. For more information, logon to www.EphedraFacts.com.
