To the Editor: 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a substance with amphetamine-like effects found in bodybuilding and weight-loss products and recreational drugs (also marketed as methylhexaneamine, dimethylpentylamine and geranium).1 DMAA was recently banned in Australia and other countries owing to toxicity, lack of health benefits, and concerns about long-term safety and potential for misuse.2 However, published evidence for safety concerns has been remarkably limited; just a few cases report cerebral haemorrhage and cardiomyopathy.1
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- 1. Gee P, Tallon C, Long N, et al. Use of recreational drug 1,3-dimethylethylamine (DMAA) associated with cerebral hemorrhage. Ann Emerg Med 2012; 60: 431-434.
- 2. Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration. The TGA decision to ban DMAA. 2012. 3 Aug. http://www.tga.gov.au/newsroom/btn-tga-statement-dmaa-120803.htm (accessed Aug 2012)
- 3. Human Performance Resource Center. Dietary supplements/products containing DMAA. 2012. 3 Jul. http://hprc-online.org/dietary-supplements/files/DMAA_List.pdf (accessed Jul 2012)
- 4. Gunja N, Brown JA. Energy drinks: health risks and toxicity. Med J Aust 2012; 196: 46-49. <MJA full text>
- 5. Forrester MB. Exposures to 1,3- dimethylamylamine-containing products reported to Texas poison centers. Hum Exp Toxicol 2012; 32: 18-23.
- 6. United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA challenges marketing of DMAA products for lack of safety evidence [media release]. 2012. 27 Apr. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm302133.htm (accessed Jul 2012).
We thank Angela Chiew for assisting with data collection.
No relevant disclosures.