The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported that a 28-year-old man is requiring a liver transplant after suffering liver failure from allegedly using the bodybuilding and dietary supplement Mass Destruction. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to stop using the supplement after it has been associated with causing serious injuries to the liver.
According to the FDA, at least one synthetic anabolic steroid is found in the the dietary supplement. Anabolic steroids, also known as prohormones, are precursors to hormones, and are known to be dangerous and cause long-term damage to the body.
In addition to liver injuries, prohormones are known to cause high bad cholesterol levels, headaches, increased risks for hypertension, and dizziness. Mass Destruction’s label indicates that the supplement contains a “dual compound prohormone.”
Every year, $32 billion dollars is spent by Americans on dietary supplements, with half of all Americans using one, or even several, dietary supplements at the same time, reported the New York Times. The FDA previously reported that approximately 70 percent of dietary supplement manufacturers do not adhere to FDA regulations.
“Unfortunately, companies sometimes fail to properly warn of the risks in order to market to a greater number of individuals for a higher profit,” commented Megan McBride, a product liability lawyer with the Levin, Papantonio law firm.
Several dietary supplements have been facing scrutiny after being linked to serious side effects in consumers. Recently, the popular dietary supplement OxyElite Pro was recalled by the FDA after the supplement was linked to causing acute liver failure and hepatitis, with several users of the supplement requiring liver transplants.
Moreover, the FDA previously recalled Dr. Mao Slimming Capsules after the an FDA analysis of the dietary supplement found sibutramine, a controlled substance as of October 2010 that was subsequently removed from the market.
Krysta is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire. Follow her on Twitter @KrystaLoera.
