From The March 2001 Issue of Nutrition Science News

Safe Doses Set for Ephedra

Halifax, Nova Scotia—Ephedra is safe to use when taking no more than 90 mg per day, according to a comprehensive risk analysis performed by Cantox Health Sciences International, an independent scientific consulting firm located here. The analysis of 19 clinical trials found ephedra is both safe and beneficial for weight loss when divided into three 30 mg doses per day. The analysis also stated that no adverse effects were observed at this intake level and that only modest adverse effects were noticed at 150 mg per day.

In related news, the Idaho Department of Pharmacy has begun enforcing a rule requiring products sold in the state—including dietary supplements—that list ephedrine or ephedrine alkaloids on their labels to be sold only with a prescription. However, products containing ephedra or ma huang but not labeled with ephedrine or its alkaloids can still be sold as over-the-counter medications.