Jack3d, a pre-workout supplement, gained significant popularity among fitness enthusiasts due to its potent effects.
However, it was banned in several countries due to safety concerns, primarily related to its key ingredient, 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA).
This article delves into the reasons behind the ban and the implications of using such supplements.
The original Jack3d pre-workout was banned due to its inclusion of DMAA, a potent stimulant deemed unsafe by the FDA due to its significant cardiovascular effects.
The FDA's declaration that DMAA is not a dietary ingredient made its presence in dietary supplements illegal.
Jack3d, produced by USPlabs, was lauded for its ability to enhance athletic performance, increase focus, and promote weight loss.
Its primary ingredient, DMAA, was a powerful stimulant that could mimic the effects of adrenaline, thereby boosting energy levels and improving workout intensity.
DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine), a powerful stimulant and amphetamine derivative, was the primary reason for the initial ban of Jack3d.
This compound was included in sports performance and weight loss products, many sold as dietary supplements.
However, the FDA declared that DMAA is not a dietary ingredient, making DMAA-containing products marketed as dietary supplements illegal as per the FDA.
The ban of DMAA in 2012 led to the original formulation of Jack3d being pulled off the market.
This caused a significant uproar among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts fond of the product.
However, USP Labs, the creator of the Jack3d pre-workout, came out with a new formulation that did not contain DMAA.
The FDA has taken several actions to ensure DMAA-containing products are taken off the market.
These actions were taken to protect consumers and get these products off the shelves as quickly as possible.
In 2012, the FDA issued warning letters to companies notifying them that marketing DMAA-containing products violates the law.
Most companies warned are no longer distributing products with DMAA, as stated by the FDA.
After the ban, USP Labs reformulated Jack3d, removing DMAA from its list of ingredients.
The new formulation still contains powerful ingredients like caffeine, Nitric Oxide CP, Yohimbe extract, and other stimulants meant to send your body into overdrive.
Despite removing DMAA, the new Jack3d formulation is still a potent pre-workout supplement.
The FDA works to get DMAA products off the market when it identifies them. Consumers are advised not to buy or use any DMAA product as per the FDA.
The FDA has consistently maintained that DMAA is not safe for consumption.
They argue that DMAA narrows blood vessels and arteries, which can raise blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems such as shortness of breath, arrhythmias, tightening in the chest, heart attack, seizures, and other neurological and psychological conditions.
As a result, the FDA advises consumers not to purchase or use any DMAA product.
Despite the FDA's stance, some sources argue that DMAA can be safe when used correctly.
For instance, a review by the Department of Defense concluded that adverse effects observed in patients were not attributed to DMAA use.
Furthermore, a toxicology report by the Senior Toxicologist at the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health stated that DMAA ingestion at doses at or below levels recommended on product labels are safe for healthy individuals and do not indicate clinically-relevant adverse health effects.
In a surprising comparison, it was found that Vitamin C had more adverse events than DMAA.
Between July 22, 2005 and April 29, 2015, there were 35 adverse event reports (AERs) associated with Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals products, yet Hi-Tech Pharma sold 3,755,578 units from October 2010 through 2015 alone.
Contrast that to Vitamin C, which had 4,771 AERs between Q4-2012 through 2014 alone, of which 7 were associated with death and 2,530 were categorized as life-threatening, disabling, or requiring hospitalization.
Read more about what DMAA supplements are available.
While there have been reports of deaths associated with DMAA use, the exact role of DMAA in these cases is often unclear due to the presence of other ingredients in the supplements consumed.
For instance, two soldiers taking dietary supplements containing DMAA collapsed during physical exertion from cardiac arrest and ultimately died.
However, these supplements contained multiple ingredients, making it difficult to attribute the deaths solely to DMAA.
Despite these reports, some investigations, such as one conducted by the Department of Defense, found no significant role of DMAA in the deaths of military personnel who used DMAA-containing supplements.
The worst DMAA events come from gross misuse and abuse of the substance.
For instance, some cases of cerebral stroke were reported with the recreational use of DMAA as a party drug at doses up to ten times higher than recommended in dietary supplements.
It is important to note that these pills contained up to 600mg DMAA – well over six times the dose of any serving of Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals supplement.
Furthermore, three of the four cases had concomitant alcohol consumption.
The safety of DMAA is a contentious issue.
The FDA maintains that DMAA is unsafe for consumption due to its potential cardiovascular effects.
However, some sources argue that DMAA can be safe when used correctly.Â
For instance, a toxicology report by the Senior Toxicologist at the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health stated that DMAA ingestion at doses at or below levels recommended on product labels is safe for healthy individuals and does not indicate clinically-relevant adverse health effects.
A toxicology report by Dr. Michael Lumpkin, Senior Toxicologist at the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, LLC (CTEH), concluded that DMAA is safe for healthy individuals when used at the doses recommended on Hi-Tech’s labels, which are 90mg or less.
Although exposure to DMAA can lead to modest increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, tremors, and other symptoms at sufficient concentrations and dose exposures (i.e., >100 mg doses), there is no evidence that consumption of DMAA at concentrations found in Hi-Tech’s dietary supplements and according to labeled doses would result in any adverse health effects.
Read more: What Is DMAA Pre-Workout?
The safe dosage of DMAA is not established due to the lack of comprehensive research on this substance.
However, it is generally advised to adhere to the dosage recommendations provided on the labels of DMAA-containing products, if any.
It's important to note that the FDA advises against using any product containing DMAA.
Potential side effects of DMAA include increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, tightening in the chest, heart attack, seizures, and other neurological and psychological conditions.
However, these side effects are more likely to occur with high doses or in individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
What is Jack3d?
Jack3d is a pre-workout supplement known for its potent energy-boosting effects.
Why was Jack3d banned?
Jack3d was banned because it included DMAA, a powerful stimulant that the FDA has deemed unsafe and illegal to include in dietary supplements.
What is DMAA?
DMAA, also known as 1,3-dimethylamylamine or methylhexanamine, is a powerful stimulant that can significantly affect the cardiovascular system.
Is DMAA safe?
The safety of DMAA is a contentious issue. While the FDA maintains that it is unsafe for consumption, some sources argue it can be safe when used correctly.
Has anyone died from DMAA?
There have been reports of deaths associated with DMAA use, but the exact role of DMAA in these cases is often unclear due to the presence of other ingredients in the supplements consumed.
What is the safe dosage of DMAA?
The safe dosage of DMAA is not established, but it is generally advised to adhere to the dosage recommendations provided on the labels of DMAA-containing products, if any. Anecdotally, the safe dosage is 70mg or below. Any higher and the risks for elevated blood pressure increases.Â
What are the side effects of DMAA?
Potential side effects of DMAA include increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, tightening in the chest, heart attack, seizures, and other neurological and psychological conditions.
Can I still buy Jack3d?
The original formulation of Jack3d containing DMAA is no longer legally available for sale. However, a reformulated version of Jack3d without DMAA is available.
Are there alternatives to Jack3d?
Yes, there are many pre-workout supplements available on the market that do not contain DMAA. It's important to choose a product that is safe, effective, and suits your individual needs.
What should I do if I have a product containing DMAA?
The FDA advises consumers not to purchase or use any product containing DMAA. If you have such a product, they recommend to stop using it and dispose of it properly.Â
The ban on Jack3d and the controversy surrounding DMAA highlight the importance of safety and regulation in the dietary supplement industry.
While some argue that DMAA can be safe when used correctly, the FDA maintains that it is unsafe for consumption.
As consumers, it's crucial to stay informed about dietary supplement ingredients and prioritize safety over potential performance benefits.
Recommended: The Complete Guide to Pre-Workouts
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