DMAA Lawsuit: Army to Conduct DMAA Safety Review

DMAA Lawsuit Overview

DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) lawsuits center on allegations that supplement manufacturers marketed dangerous products containing synthetic DMAA without proper safety testing or FDA approval.

Class action lawsuits have been filed against major manufacturers alleging their products are “illegal and dangerous,” focusing on the synthetic nature of DMAA and its classification as an unauthorized dietary ingredient.

The litigation has been prompted by numerous reports of serious health complications, including seizures, heart injuries, kidney and liver failure, and death.

Two U.S. Army soldiers died during routine physical exercises with DMAA in their systems, leading to the first government-funded study into the substance’s health effects.

The FDA has issued warning letters to multiple DMAA manufacturers for marketing products whose safety has not been proven.

Latest DMAA Lawsuit Updates

• May 4, 2012 – Four DMAA supplement manufacturers received class action lawsuits after FDA warning letters, with litigation alleging their products are “illegal and dangerous.” The cases focus on the critical legal argument that synthetic versions of botanical derivatives are not classified as dietary ingredients and therefore not permitted for use in supplement products [1].
• April 27, 2012 – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to 10 manufacturers and distributors of DMAA-containing dietary supplements for marketing products whose safety has not been proven. The FDA specifically accused companies of marketing products without submitting required notifications for DMAA as a New Dietary Supplement (NDI) [2].
• March 5, 2012 – A new scientific study concluded that geranium oils do not contain the stimulant dimethylamylamine (DMAA), contradicting claims by supplement companies. This research questioned the antiquated study often cited by pre-workout and weight loss supplement companies who market DMAA-containing products as naturally derived [3].
• March 3, 2012 – Military officials at the Army Public Health Command began identifying participants for the first government-funded case-control study on DMAA health effects. The study was initiated after two soldiers with DMAA in their systems died during routine physical exercises [4].

“We are in the process of identifying potential Army participants and (we) are still finalizing study procedures.”-Army Public Health Command.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The U.S. Army conducted the first government-funded study into DMAA side effects using soldiers as test subjects to determine links between the substance and dangerous health conditions.

Military health records from all branches of the armed forces were analyzed following two soldier deaths during routine exercises.

Health Canada issued statements claiming DMAA is not naturally found in geranium and that products containing it should require drug authorization.

The FDA has yet to make a final ruling on DMAA’s safety and efficacy, while various trade groups continue conducting independent research.

DMAA Injuries & Side Effects

DMAA has been associated with numerous serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, ranging from cardiovascular complications to organ failure and death.

Serious Side Effects:

• Hyperthermia
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Liver damage or liver failure
• Kidney damage or kidney failure
• Psychiatric side effects
• Elevated blood pressure
• Sudden cardiac death

Less Severe Side Effects:

• Skin reactions
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Trembling
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Profuse perspiration
• Dehydration
• Itchy scalp and skin

Do You Qualify for a DMAA Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a DMAA lawsuit if:

• You used dietary supplements containing DMAA including popular products like OxyElite Pro and Jack3d.
• You experienced serious side effects including seizures, heart injuries, kidney failure, liver failure, or other life-threatening complications.
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to DMAA consumption.

Evidence Required for a DMAA Lawsuit

To build a strong DMAA lawsuit case, the following evidence is essential:

• Medical Documentation: Hospital records, physician reports, and diagnostic test results showing your injuries and treatment.
• Product Evidence: Proof of purchase, product labels, and documentation showing the DMAA-containing supplement you used.
• Timeline Documentation: Records establishing when you used the product and when symptoms appeared.
• Expert Medical Opinion: Medical professional testimony linking your injuries to DMAA consumption.

Damages You Can Recover

Successful DMAA lawsuit plaintiffs may recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment costs, hospital bills, prescription medications.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and ongoing medical treatment.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to punish manufacturers for dangerous conduct.

FAQs

1. How Has the Regulatory Status of DMAA Been Challenged by Health Canada?

Health Canada claimed DMAA is not naturally found in geraniums, requiring products containing it to obtain drug authorization, challenging its classification as a legitimate dietary supplement ingredient.

2. What Is the Significance of the U.S. Army’s Study on DMAA’s Health Effects?

The U.S. Army’s study aims to determine if DMAA is linked to serious health conditions, influencing future regulations and safety guidelines for military personnel and the general public.

3. Why Is There Ongoing Debate About DMAA Being a Constituent of Geranium?

The debate persists because scientific studies conflict with whether DMAA naturally occurs in geraniums, affecting its classification, legality, and use in dietary supplements.

4. What Popular Supplements Contain DMAA?

Popular DMAA-containing supplements that have been subject to lawsuits include OxyElite Pro and Jack3d, among other pre-workout and weight loss supplements.

5. What Companies Have Been Sued Over DMAA?

BPI Sports was hit with a proposed class action in California in November 2011, and USPLabs faced similar litigation in January 2012. Multiple manufacturers received FDA warning letters and subsequent lawsuits.

6. How Long Do I Have to File a DMAA Lawsuit?

Statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 2-4 years from the date of injury discovery. Time limits are strict, so prompt legal consultation is essential.

7. What Caused the Military to Study DMAA?

Two U.S. Army soldiers died during routine physical exercises with DMAA in their systems, prompting the first government-funded study into the substance’s health effects and military-wide health record analysis.

8. Is DMAA Naturally Derived or Synthetic?

Scientific evidence shows DMAA is synthetic, not naturally found in geranium plants as claimed by manufacturers. The substance was first synthesized by Eli Lilly in the 1940s.

9. What FDA Actions Have Been Taken Against DMAA?

The FDA issued warning letters to 10 manufacturers and distributors for marketing DMAA products without proper safety notifications as New Dietary Supplements (NDI).

10. What Are the Most Serious DMAA Side Effects?

The most serious reported side effects include sudden cardiac death, heart attack, stroke, seizures, liver failure, kidney failure, and hyperthermia requiring emergency medical treatment.

Get a Free DMAA Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action regarding DMAA-related injuries. Most states have statute of limitations periods ranging from 2-4 years from the date you discovered your injury was related to DMAA consumption.

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees – we handle all case expenses
• Payment only if we win your case through settlement or verdict
• Nationwide representation in all 50 states

We are currently accepting new seizure, heart injury, kidney failure, liver failure, and death cases nationwide. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury you feel may have been caused by DMAA, contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation.

Reference:

1. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/fda-warning-sparks-new-dmaa-supplement-class-action-lawsuits/
2. https://www.consumerlab.com/recalls/10312/fda-says-dmaa-cant-be-sold-as-a-supplement-warns-sellers/
3. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2012/07/13/Another-peer-reviewed-paper-concludes-DMAA-is-NOT-in-geranium/
4. https://www.stripes.com/news/2012-05-03/army-study-of-dmaas-effect-on-soldiers-will-continue-2233032.html1