ECA stack
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ECA stack is a drug combination used as a stimulant and in weight loss. ECA is an acronym for ephedrine, caffeine, and Aspirin. The marketing of ephedrine-containing stimulant combinations as dietary supplements for weight loss and bodybuilding is restricted or illegal in the United States and Canada, due to serious health risks associated with these combinations.[1][2]
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[edit] Risks
The primary risk of the ECA stack is in the effect of ephedrine on the heart. Ephedrine has been linked to deaths in people with valve damage, heart problems and heart disease, but also in previously healthy young adults when taken in high doses.
[edit] Controversy and legality
Due to deaths linked to ephedrine and its potential use as a precursor in illegal methamphetamine manufacture, many countries have taken steps to regulate ephedrine.
Some medical studies support the effectiveness and safety of the ECA stack when used in controlled circumstances with medical supervision,[3] [4] albeit with caveats.
[edit] Status in The United States
Currently in the United States, it is illegal to market products containing ephedrine or ephedrine alkaloids as a dietary supplement.[1] In 2004, ephedra, a botanical source of ephedrine alkaloids, was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to serious safety concerns, injuries, and deaths caused by ephedra-containing supplements.
[edit] Status in Canada
In January 2002, Health Canada issued a voluntary recall of all ephedrine products containing more than 8 mg per dose, all combinations of ephedrine with other stimulants such as caffeine, and all ephedrine products marketed for weight-loss or bodybuilding indications, citing a serious risk to health.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. August 22, 2006. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm152388.htm. Retrieved on July 7, 2009.
- ^ a b "Health Canada requests recall of certain products containing Ephedra/ephedrine". Health Canada. January 9, 2002. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2002/2002_01_e.html. Retrieved on July 7, 2009.
- ^ Toubro S, Astrup AV, Breum L, Quaade F. "Safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with ephedrine, caffeine and an ephedrine/caffeine mixture." Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord., 1993 Feb;17 Suppl 1:S69-72.
- ^ Boozer CN, Nasser JA, Heymsfield SB, Wang V, Chen G, Solomon JL. "An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial." Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord., 2001 Mar;25(3):316-24.
