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INDUSTRY SUPPORTS NFL EPHEDRA TESTING TO PREVENT UNFAIR COMPETITION

STATEMENT FROM THE EPHEDRA EDUCATION COUNCIL

WASHINGTON (July 1, 2002) ‚ In response to the National Football League's decision to begin testing its players on July 1, 2002 for Ephedra dietary supplement consumption, the Ephedra Education Council today issued the following statement:

"There are any number of products that have legitimate uses and are routinely consumed by Americans that professional and amateur sports leagues may determine are not suitable on the field of athletic competition. These products include such common and accepted products as OTC cold medications and caffeine.

"Responsible manufacturers and distributors of Ephedra dietary supplements are not in the business of making professional football players, or any athletes, run faster, jump higher or play better. The Ephedra Education Council supports fair competition in sports, and supports the desire of the N.F.L. to prevent its players from gaining an unfair competitive advantage through Ephedra consumption.

"Further, the EEC believes that prohibiting the use of Ephedra in the N.F.L will help with industry's efforts to educate parents, trainers, coaches and children that Ephedra is not recommended for use by anyone under the age of 18.

"The HHS and FDA recently announced their view that the widely publicized adverse events on Ephedra ëare not uncommon in the general population and therefore the reports alone do not provide a scientific basis for assessing the safety of ephedrine alkaloids or establish a link between the reported adverse events and the ingestion of ephedrine alkaloids.' Therefore, it is not appropriate or scientifically justified for the N.F.L. or any other sports league to questions the safety of Ephedra dietary supplements based on such reports. Consumers should be made aware that sound scientific research supports the safety and benefits of Ephedra dietary supplements when used as directed. For example, the landmark Harvard/Columbia study found that overweight, healthy adults lost between 11 and 12 pounds safely without adverse effects."

"We encourage all coaches, trainers and health professionals to communicate these messages to young athletes and teenagers alike."

The Ephedra Education Council (EEC) 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.

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