FDA warns against three "fat-burning" supplements

  • Published
  • By 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Base medical officials are advising users of three "fat-burning" supplements to immediately discontinue use of the products after one was linked to at least 29 potential cases of hepatitis and the other two were shown to contain ingredients similar to those used in methamphetamines.

The popular dietary supplements OxyElite Pro, Craze and Detonate were all available on base, but they have been pulled from shelves. Any consumer believing they have been harmed by using one of these supplements should contact their health care practitioner as soon as possible.

Users of OxyElite Pro are being asked to not use the product after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) indicated the supplement was the probable cause of at least 29 cases of hepatitis.

Craze and Detonate have been identified in civilian media reports as having synthetic substances chemically similar to methamphetamine after testing by researchers at Harvard Medical School, the National Science Foundation, and the International and National Institute for Public Health/Environment. Those agencies recommended the FDA issue a warning concerning the supplements.

According to the 82nd Medical Group, the investigation into OxyElite Pro is ongoing nationwide. As of now, 11 of the 29 known cases have been hospitalized, two required liver transplants and one person has died.

Hepatitis is a form of liver inflammation. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay or gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, yellow eyes and jaundice (yellow skin).

Medical officials urge people trying to build muscles and/or build fat to contact the Health and Wellness Center to learn healthy ways to do this. Consumers who believe they have been harmed by using a dietary supplement should contact their health care practitioner.