ALBANY, N.Y. -- Dimethylamylamine, or DMAA, is a synthetic stimulant in dietary supplements that some claim is dangerous - now New York lawmakers want to have it banned completely from products and stores that sell it.
According to New York Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx, Westchester), the danger of the ingredient is unknown to student athletes using those dietary supplements looking to improve their game and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency says they're "the canary in coal mines."
At a press conference Monday, Sen. Klein was joined by a man all too familiar with use of performance enhancements -- former Major League Baseball player Jose Canseco.
"These kids are willing to take risks because of these $100 million contracts," said Canseco.
"It took far too long to ban, many deaths before they finally banned ephedra. And what DMAA is, is nothing more than ephedra reincarnated and nothing else," said Sen. Klein.
Not only can it be found in stores, it can also be found online and the FDA has already sent out warning letters to manufacturers who supply it.
DMAA is a synthetic stimulant originally used as a nasal decongestant, but is now found in some products labeled as dietary supplements.
A supplement one woman blames for the death of her military son.
"Michael told me that when he started taking this supplement that he was told that it was safe and natural. I have since found out that it is not," said Leanna Sparling.
"I think we need to act quickly here in New York. We can't wait for the FDA to drag their feet until they decide to ban this drug," said Klein.
NEWS10 did find products containing DMAA in a local store, but they were kept behind the counter and we were told that once their supply is sold out, there would be no more available.
NEWS10 ABC
