Energy boost or deadly substance?
The effects of Ephedra
http://journalism.smcvt.edu/echo/4.16.03/ephedra.htm
Ephedra, a natural herbal stimulant found in the Chinese herb Ma Huang, is commonly used by athletes for weight loss and an energy boost.
Yup. Red Bull contains Ephedra.
The low down
According to Susan Jacques, director of health services, Ephedra is marketed as a weight loss, sports enhancing and energy increasing food supplement.
There have been numerous athletes who have died due to the use of Ephedra, including Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Belcher. After his death in February of this year, Ephedra has been forced under the microscope.
According to the Federal Drug Administration, products with Ephedra have been linked to at least 100 deaths and 1,500 reports of medical problems, including heart attacks, strokes and seizures. The National Football League (NFL), the International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have all banned the use of Ephedra by their athletes.
Ephedra is sold over-the-counter and is also found in many products such as the energy drink Red Bull.
Risks don't stop students from using Ephedra
Sophomore Ryan Carr says he has "taken it (Ephedra) before and will probably take it again." The first time he took Ephedra was three years ago.
Carr, who likes to play hockey, baseball and boxes, but is not a St. Michael's student athlete, uses Ephedra for two weeks at a time, at the beginning or the end of a playing season to "drop a couple pounds and get down to playing weight."
"Most people who use it don't drink enough water and people dehydrate," says Carr.
Carr takes other nutritional supplements as well.
"Sometimes I substitute with meal shakes because I don't get everything I need (nutrient wise) in the cafeteria," says Carr.
"It's hard to stay healthy in college when you are eating in Alliot," says sophomore Mike Christopher who has also used Ephedra.
Christopher uses Ephedra for extra energy when he is weight lifting. He says "the pressure of society makes me feel like I need to have six-pack abs."
According to Jacques, Ephedra use is associated with higher risks of heart palpitations, upper gastrointestinal effects, tremor and insomnia. Reports of heart attacks, stroke, seizures and psychiatric hospital admissions have also been associated with Ephedra use.
"Ephedra can have dangerous effects on the nervous system and the heart due to its adrenaline-like stimulant effect," says Jacques. "Dangerous effects from Ephedra use are increased with concurrent exercise and other stimulant use, like caffeine." "It's hard to stay healthy in college when you are eating in Alliot,"
- sophomore Michael Christopher.
Jacques says, to use Ephedra is risky for athletes or anyone else.