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Hidden Steroids in Nutritional Supplements Causes FDA Investigation

By Alan Ripka

The news recently reported that certain bodybuilding enhancement products that are sold as nutritional supplements might contain hidden or unknown steroids or steroid-like substances that can cause serious and permanent injuries. These products may claim to enhance or diminish the effects of hormones like testosterone, estrogen or progestin, and may be labeled 'anabolic,' 'tren,' 'blocks estrogen,' or 'minimizes gyno.' Companies that do not disclose that steroids are ingredients in their enhancement supplements can be subject to civil liability and lawsuits, according to Alan Ripka, Esquire.

Individuals looking to enhance their ability to achieve their bodybuilding results and/or reduce and lose body fat generally purchase these supplements at health food/vitamin-like retail stores or websites. It is Alan Ripka, Esquire's opinion that these manufacturers did not disclose the steroid ingredient that made their products competitively better than others so as to stay out of the reaches of the F.D.A., because if a product is a nutritional or dietary supplement 'only,' then it need not submit itself to the F.D.A. The dietary supplement industry is self-regulating. Unlike drug makers, which must go through testing to make sure that the drug is safe and effective before the F.D.A. approves it for sale, the dietary supplement manufacturers, alone, are responsible for the safety and effectiveness of their product. Under the law, dietary supplements are products that contain natural foodstuffs like minerals or herbs and do not claim to prevent, mitigate, or cure specific illnesses. However, the F.D.A. states that it is illegal for dietary supplements to contain ingredients like synthetic steroids, and considers these products to be illegal because they are unapproved drugs that may put consumers at risk.

Adverse effects and consequences of use of body building products include cases of serious liver injury, stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism (blockage of an artery in the lung). In addition, long-term adverse health consequences include shrinkage of the testes and male infertility, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in males, short stature in children, adverse effects on blood lipid levels, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

As noted in Singer, Natasha and Schmidt, Michael S., Supplements for Athletes Draw Alert from F.D.A, New York Times, July 29, 2009, at pg B1, although the majority of nutritional supplements are safe, the F.D.A. has cited eight popular products - TREN-Xtreme, MASS Xtreme, ESTRO Xtreme, AH-89-Xtreme, HMG Xtreme, MMA-3 Xtreme, VNS-9 Xtreme, and TT-40-Xtreme, all from American Cellular Labs - which contain hidden and potentially hazardous steroids. These hidden steroids are unapproved forms of synthetic steroids, popularly known as designer steroids because they are intended to evade detection by sports testing. five adverse reports directly related to the named products, including serious liver injury. While there were no reports of acute liver failure or death, it said, there were hospitalizations.

If you, a friend, or a loved one has suffered adverse effects after taking a product that you suspect may contain a hidden steroid, you may be entitled to compensation. The professional team of lawyers at Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm can evaluate your situation and determine the next steps to gain justice for you and your family. Napoli Bern Ripka, LLP has fought against large companies in other matters and will fight for you if we believe you have a potential case for medical malpractice, products liability, personal injury, and is prepared to go to court and have a trial if necessary. Please fill out the form and submit or call and ask for Alan Ripka, one of our partners.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Alan Ripka

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on July 30, 2009 (boomark / email).