NSF, Harvard Find New Adulterant

ANN ARBOR, Mich.A new article published in Drug Testing and Analysis details the emergence of a new and potentially harmful adulterant similar to methamphetamine called N,alpha-diethylphenylethylamine (N,a-DEPEA) found in dietary supplements. Researchers from NSF International, Harvard Medical School and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands found the substance in a consumer dietary supplement product called Craze (marketed by Driven Sports Inc.); the substance was not disclosed on the product label.

Alarmingly we have found a drug in a mainstream sports supplement that has never been studied in humans," said Dr. Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who has conducted extensive research on supplements. The health risk of using supplements adulterated with a drug should not be underestimated."

In separate tests, scientists also found the substance in another supplement, Detonate by Gaspari Nutrition.

We urge consumers to remain vigilant about the dietary supplement products they choose, especially since products including Craze and Detonate are available in stores and online, and encourage them to look for certification as a sign that the product has been tested and certified to be free of undeclared ingredients or harmful levels of contaminants," said Ed Wyszumiala, general manager of NSF Internationals Dietary Supplement Certification Program.

The organizations formed the collaborative testing project after multiple professional athletes taking Craze failed urine drug tests. After an extensive review, researchers found the product contained N,a-DEPEA, a new designer stimulant. According to the organizations, N,a-DEPEA is most likely less potent than methamphetamine but greater than ephedrine.