Metabolife is an herbal dietary supplement taken for the purposes of reducing body fat, while accelerating metabolism. Originally, its success was largely due to a drug it contained called ephedrine (ephedra), an extract from the ma huang root. In April 2004, a ban was enforced by the FDA , prohibiting the sale of all dietary supplements containing ephedra. Although a Federal District Court judge overturned the ruling a year later, the 2004 judgment was reinforced in August 2006. This action is a result of continuing research that has found the use of ephedra to bring about serious health conditions, and even death.
Ephedra
Ephedrine is an amphetamine-like alkaloid that stimulates the heart and central nervous system in a potentially lethal manner. Ephedra can elevate blood pressure, produce irregular heart rhythms, cause seizures and stroke, damage nerves and lead to insomnia, psychosis and even death.
Guarana
Also found in Metabolife is guarana, an herb containing remarkably high amounts of caffeine. Caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure by raising adrenaline levels in the blood. When mixed with ephedra, guarana dramatically elevates the risk for severe hypertension.
Ginseng
Metabolife also contains ginseng, a root extract containing both stimulants and depressants. Ginseng may inhibit the function of blood-thinning drugs, used by those at risk for stroke and heart failure. Consequently, deadly blood clots may form. The prolonged use of ginseng may cause insomnia, kidney disease, nausea, diarrhea and nervousness.
Pregnancy
Ephedrine and the associated alkaloids in metabolife not only elevate heart rate and blood pressure, but increase activity in uterine muscles. Each side effect could have lethal consequences for an unborn child. Women are especially warned of using such stimulants during pregnancy.
Updates
Since the ban, Metabolife has developed Metabolife Ultra, replacing the ephedra compound with other ingredients, such as garcinia fruit extract and caffeine.
In 2007 the manufacturer of Metabolife, Nutraceutical Corp., filed to have a rehearing on lifting the ephedra ban.
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