Meth-like Compound Uncovered in Workout Supplement Craze

Researchers have uncovered potentially dangerous amounts of a methamphetamine-like compound in the workout supplement Craze.

Sold throughout the US and and online, the supplement came under scrutiny after a series of failed athletic drug tests.

The results, published in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis, revealed methamphetamine analog N,α- DEPEA -- a substance that has not been safely tested for human consumption -- in three samples tested.

The label on the Driven Sports, Inc. workout supplement states it contains the compound N,N-DEPEA, saying it is derived from endangered dendrobium orchids. According to the researchers, there is no evidence that this compound is found in orchids.

"In recent years banned and untested drugs have been found in hundreds of dietary supplements," lead author Dr. Pieter Cohen, of Harvard Medical School, said in a statement. "We began our study of Craze after several athletes failed urine drug tests because of a new methamphetamine analog."

The team looked at three samples, one taken from a mainstream US retailer, another from a US online retailer and another from a Dutch online retailer.

Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, the international team of researchers found significant amounts of N,α- DEPEA in all three. The findings were then corroborated by the Korean Forensic Service, which found the compound in two other samples during a parallel investigation.

"The tests revealed quantities of N,α-DEPEA of over 20 mg per serving, which strongly suggests that this is not an accidental contamination from the manufacturing process," Cohen said.

Because N,α-DEPEA is a structural analog of methamphetamine, the researchers say there is a good chance it has stimulant and addictive qualities.

"If these findings are confirmed by regulatory authorities, the FDA (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration) must take action to warn consumers and to remove supplements containing N,α-DEPEA from sale," Cohen concluded. "Our fear is that the federal shutdown may delay this, resulting in potentially dangerous supplements remaining widely available."