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Adverse effects due to Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra Alkaloids |
Dietary supplements that contain ephedra alkaloids (sometimes called ma huang) are widely promoted and used in the United States as a means of losing weight and increasing energy. Recently adverse effects have been reported with the use of these products. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed limits on the dose and duration of use of such supplements. Recent study has revealed Cardiovascular and Central Nervous system side effects. Hypertension was the single most frequent adverse effect followed by palpitations, tachycardia, stroke and seizures. Ten events resulted in death, and 13 events produced permanent disability. |
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