Newsletter #8 -- FDA to Try to Stem Sales of Andro and ProHormones (3-11-04)HouseOfMuscle.com -- Newsletter: Issue 8 ------------------------------------- FDA to Try to Stem Sales of Andro and ProHormones An article by Associated Press writer, Lauran Neergaard, dated March 11, 2004, reported that the FDA is going to crack down on steroid-like supplements and prohormones (pro-steroids), including androstenedione, aka ANDRO, made famous by professional baseball great Mark McGwire. The use of prohormones skyrocketed after McGwire said he used them in 1998, the year he hit a record-setting 70 home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals. He later said he quit taking the supplements. These products are steroid precursors, which the body uses to make testosterone and other anabolic hormones. Basically, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning telling 23 manufacturers to cease their production of these products. In the article, Brad Stone, FDA spokesman, was quoted saying, “We're confident that we do have a clear legal basis'' for the ban. Anabolic steroids, which build muscle, are controlled substances. But prohormones -- because they are precursors, not a steroid itself -- have long been marketed as dietary supplements and sold over the counter. But the FDA is citing a seldom-used provision of a law that defines a dietary supplement as a natural ingredient that was on the market before 1994 -- and says manufacturers must prove that any new ingredients are safe before selling them as supplements. The FDA contends that prohormones were not on the market in 1994 and thus its makers failed to follow the law's safety provision. The FDA expects its action to at least temporarily halt prohormone sales. Meanwhile, Congress is considering legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., that would permanently end over-the-counter sales of prohormones, as well as the newly unmasked steroid THG, and subject them to the same prescription restrictions that apply to anabolic steroids. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson urged Congress to pass the legislation, and baseball commissioner Bud Selig supports it. In the meantime, Thompson said, “if firms refuse to cease distributing these products, we may seize products, pursue injunctions or seek criminal actions.'' What this means for you as a consumer is that soon, and very soon indeed, prohormones will no longer be available for legal sale in this country. If you use these products, or are thinking about using them, as I do, I encourage you to stock up now. As we have seen with the ban of ephedra, the FDA can and will act very quickly. Respectfully, Joel A. Sward joel@houseofmuscle.com http://www.HouseOfMuscle.com ------------------------- (c) HouseOfMuscle.com -- 2004. All rights reserved. --------------------------------------------------
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