NEWS RELEASE
March 13, 2003
Contact:
Christa Dickey, cdickey@acsm.org
American College of Sports Medicine
Communications and Public Information
(317) 637-9200, ext. 127
ACSM URGES YOUNG ATHLETES TO AVOID EPHEDRA
Education and caution vital for parents, coaches and
athletes
INDIANAPOLIS -The toxicology report on Baltimore Orioles pitching
prospect Steve Bechler released today implicates the use of the herbal
supplement ephedra in his death, and underscores once more the dangers
of ephedra use, particularly when combined with other risk factors.
Today, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) urged increased
awareness of how the use of ephedra can adversely affect the health of
young athletes. Those in a position to influence the behavior of young
athletes, such as parents, coaches and youth sports governing
organizations, should be aware of the dangers of ephedra, the dietary
supplement considered a factor in several deaths and adverse health
events in athletes in recent years.
The consumption of ephedra, also known as "ma huang," leads to
increases in metabolism and in heart rate. People who exercise and/or
train for competition in sporting events are exposed to risk because
ephedra may impair the body's ability to cool itself, thereby increasing
the potential for heat-related illness during exercise. This fact only
begins to address the dangers the supplement can pose to youth.
"Young people don't sweat as much as adults, so they don't have the
same ability to naturally adjust their body temperatures while
exercising," said ACSM President Edward T. Howley, Ph.D., FACSM. "ACSM
is particularly concerned that products containing ephedra are so
readily available to children and adolescents who may not be aware of
these dangers."
Howley also notes young athletes often use ephedra for weight loss or
to enhance athletic performance, and are placing a greater emphasis on
peak performance at an earlier age. "There are many factors which may
negatively influence a young athlete's decision to use products
containing ephedra," he adds. "It is critical that we stress more
appropriate methods of increasing physical fitness and gaining the
competitive advantages they seek."
ACSM joins other concerned organizations that have publicly cautioned
against the use of ephedra. Concern centers on increased risk of heart
irregularities, disturbances of the central nervous system,
gastrointestinal problems, and stroke. Although some athletes may
consume ephedra in an attempt to improve their athletic performance and
reach physical goals, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
Young people can easily access products containing ephedra. Ephedra
is not currently regulated as are other drugs which pose similar health
threats. Ephedra, or its synthetic form ephedrine, can be found in a
variety of over-the-counter asthma, cold, and allergy medications as a
bronchodilator and decongestant. There is no federal age restriction for
purchasing such products.
ACSM also points to the increased risk of health problems when
caffeine and ephedra are used together. Some athletes will engage in the
dangerous practice of "stacking," or using ephedra and caffeine at the
same time, possibly in combination with other supplements, to achieve
enhanced athletic performance or weight loss. Also, the use of ephedra
coupled with casual consumption of caffeine, like that found in soda,
may enhance the dangers of the product.
"Young people may not be aware of the dangers of these substances,
particularly when they are combined," says ACSM spokesperson Gary
Wadler, M.D., FACSM. "When ephedra and caffeine work hand-in-hand, heat
production and the stimulatory effects will be that much greater, and so
will the risk." Also, the levels of the active chemicals in supplements
can vary significantly from product to product and from batch to batch.
This is a significant problem in light of the potential adverse side
effects associated with ephedra-containing products.
ACSM contends that the use of ephedra or any dietary supplement
should not substitute proper physical conditioning and nutrition.
Athletes of all ages and at any level of competition should be
instructed on the proper methods of getting in shape for sports
performance, safely achieving a desired weight through diet and
exercise, and acclimatizing for exercise in the heat. Parents, coaches,
and sports governing agencies should be leaders in promoting health and
fair play, particularly among young athletes.
ACSM applauds the growing attention by U.S. governmental bodies to
ephedra's wide availability and its potential risks. Several members of
Congress are considering the introduction of bills related to ephedra.
The Food and Drug Administration may soon require a warning on products
containing ephedra. Action also is being taken at the community level,
as witnessed when a law banning the sale of ephedra recently passed in
Suffolk County, New York. ACSM encourages parents, coaches, and all
Americans concerned with accessibility and lack of regulation of ephedra
to express their concerns to their governmental representatives in
Congress and their communities.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports
medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than
20,000 International, National and Regional members are dedicated to
promoting and integrating scientific research, education and practical
applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and
enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.
-30-
|
Home Page