Ephedrine and caffeine are two parts of the popular fat-burning ECA stack. Users take ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin for weight loss and as a stimulant. People with an aspirin intolerance often just use ephedrine and caffeine together, or an EC stack. Due to reports of heart attack, stroke and death, ephedra- or ephedrine-containing products for weight loss are restricted or illegal in the United States and Canada.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a beta-agonist. It stimulates beta receptors, which in turn stimulate the fat-burning process. A thermogenic compound, it raises body temperature and metabolic rate and has been shown to stimulate brown adipose tissue, a type of fat that is metabolically active, to expend energy. Ephedrine is also a potent bronchodilator, and its derivatives are often found in decongestant medications, most often in the form of pseudoephedrine. While pseudoephedrine shares some characteristics with ephedrine, the thermogenic and stimulatory effects are comparatively nonexistent.
Caffeine
Ninety percent of adults in North America ingest caffeine daily, making it the world's most widely used psychoactive substance. It stimulates the central nervous system, affecting brain function, mood, consciousness, cognition and behavior. Caffeine has diuretic properties if taken in sufficient doses, helps the body use fats for fuel, stimulates lipolysis by promoting epinephrine release, improves athletic performance and may improve overall recovery. Like ephedrine, it is also a thermogenic compound that raises body temperature.
Effects
Upon taking ephedrine and caffeine together, users will initially notice increased stimulation since both are stimulants. There will also be an increase in body temperature and perspiration rate as the body begins to burn fat, which accounts for the thermogenic behavior of the stack. The EC stack also results in appetite suppression, which varies from individual to individual. These noticeable changes tend to diminish over time as the user develops a tolerance to the combination.
Risks
In 2004, dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to serious safety concerns, injuries and deaths. Supplements that contain ephedra or ephedrine have been linked to cases of heart attack, stroke and death.
References
- Vanderbilt Education; Ephedrine and Caffeine Combination; Elizabeth Crum
- Netrition; Muscle Growth and Fat Loss by Stimulating the B-Agonist System -- The Role of Ephedrine, Caffeine, and Aspirin; Michael C. Prevost, PhD
- "New Scientist"; Coffee: The Demon Drink?; Richard Lovett; September 2005
- USA Triathlon; Post-Workout Caffeine Consumption (and Other Recovery Tips); Monique Ryan
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids; August 2006
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