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The Facts About Ephedra

FACT #1: Ephedra (Ma Huang) is an herbal ingredient found in dietary supplements. Dietary supplements containing Ephedra include ephedrine alkaloids, which are complex combinations of nitrogen and oxygen.

FACT #2: Based on surveys conducted in 1999, between 12 and 17 million Americans consume more than three billion servings of Ephedra products every year.

FACT #3: Existing data---from consumption patterns to clinical research--- establish that Ephedra is safe and effective when used as directed. Clinical studies are accepted as the gold standard for establishing safety and benefits.

FACT #4: The only indication of side effects comes from a small number of adverse event reports (AERs), which even critics of Ephedra concede do not provide scientific proof that Ephedra causes adverse events. A conservative risk assessment based by Cantox Health Sciences International shows that Ephedra is safe when taken as directed.

FACT #5: For years, Ephedra manufacturers have urged the Food and Drug Administration to mandate consumer labeling and manufacturing safeguards to reduce the risk of consumer misuse. The FDA response has been to do nothing, thereby leaving behind a cloud of confusion and doubt about Ephedra products.

FACT #6: With obesity reaching epidemic levels in our nation, weight-loss products like Ephedra have never been more valued by consumers or needed to combat the public health costs associated with weight-related health problems

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