Pubdate: Mon, 08 Jan 2001
Source: Salt Lake Tribune (UT)
Copyright: 2001 The Salt Lake Tribune
Contact:  143 S Main, Salt Lake City UT 84111
Fax: (801)257-8950
Website: http://www.sltrib.com/
Forum: http://www.sltrib.com/tribtalk/
Author: Matthew J. Gardiner

UNREGULATED DRUGS

I would like to know which "natural" supplements Sen. Orrin Hatch is taking 
for that "extra edge" (Tribune, Dec. 28). If they include ephedra, in the 
right dose that would be equivalent to legalized speed. I find it a bit 
hypocritical that someone who believes it a sin to drink a cup of coffee 
would endorse taking a powerful stimulant such as ephedrine and would in 
fact use his political clout to ensure it stays unregulated and available 
over the counter.

Equally hypocritical is the fact that he would want evidence "based on 
science rather than politics" to show these stimulants are harmful before 
they are taken off the market. He successfully lobbied against requiring 
such studies proving they are safe and effective in the first place before 
they are placed on the market. There is truly a double standard for the 
supplement and pharmaceutical industries.

As a psychiatrist I have seen a number of cases firsthand of the adverse 
psychiatric effects of ephedra or ma huang can have. Insomnia, induction of 
mania, psychosis, agitation, and aggression are a few. Perhaps if "used 
properly" these supplements are not harmful. But methamphetamine in a 
low-enough dose is not harmful either, yet it cannot be purchased on a 
shelf at Osco.

The case of nutritional supplements shows what we learned with tobacco. It 
isn't about science or "what's right" that gets laws passed. Money and 
connections get things done in Washington.

MATTHEW J. GARDINER    Bountiful
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry F