Meth-like compound found in Craze pre-workout, victim’s stories, and the supplement industry

The supplement industry is another billion dollar market that’s entwined in the wellness industry. Body builders, professional athletes, to the every day person probably uses supplements. It’s even reported that half of the U.S. population is taking some type of supplement— see the end for sources. Supplements have their place, but are not a substitute for food. They’re also not regulated by the FDA. This means supplements are not held to the same quality control standards as food and drugs. Matt Cahill, the founder of Craze pre-workout, is a prime example of taking advantage of a non-regulated market. You might have heard of the meth-like substance found in Craze pre-workout back in 2012, when athletes started failing drug tests and reports of liver damage where associated with the pre-workout. If not here’s the story, and the stories of those impacted, along with my expert advice when it comes to navigating the supplement industry.

References:

Cohen PA, Travis JC, Venhuis BJ. A methamphetamine analog (N,α-diethyl-phenylethylamine) identified in a mainstream dietary supplement. Drug Test Anal. 2014;6(7-8):805-807. doi:10.1002/dta.1578 - Lab test that detected N,a-DEPEA

Chen F, Du M, Blumberg JB, et al. Association Among Dietary Supplement Use, Nutrient Intake, and Mortality Among U.S. Adults: A Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med. 2019;170(9):604-613. doi:10.7326/M18-2478 - Observational study showing that supplements did not improve over all mortality in U.S. adults compared to nutrient intake from foods.

Information on DEPEA and DMAA from the FDA and NSF

https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/depea-supplements

https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/dmaa-products-marketed-dietary-supplements

USA Today articles of the story

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/14/tests-of-supplements-craze-and-detonate-find-methamphetamine-like-compound/2968041/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/08/21/criminal-case-quietly-dismissed-against-controversial-supplement-maker/32015297/