FDA Says Major League Baseball Should Ban Ephedra July 28, 2003
News Summary
Dr. Mark B. McClellan, the commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that Major League Baseball (MLB) should ban the use of ephedra, the herbal stimulant that was linked to the death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler, the New York Times reported July 24."I think professional sports leagues like baseball teams should take action to protect their players," said McClellan before two U.S. House of Representatives House Energy and Commerce subcommittees.
Some baseball players use ephedra products to lose weight, build muscles, or raise energy levels. But McClellan said the herbal supplement poses serious health risks, especially for competitive athletes. He cited studies that have shown that ephedra is ineffective in improving sports performance.
Makers of ephedra products have long claimed that they are safe.
Eugene Orza, associate general counsel of the MLB's Players Association, said the union generally bans only drugs and substances banned by the government. Baseball owners support a ban on ephedra.
The use of ephedra is banned in baseball's minor leagues, as well as in the National Football League, Major League Soccer, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The FDA is considering a nationwide ban or sales restrictions on ephedra products.
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