The FDA has 
some scary news for fans of energy drinks and weight-loss supplements. The stimulant called dimethylamylamine (DMAA), often used in supplements promising weight loss, muscle building and performance enhancement, has been shown to “elevate blood pressure and could lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest.” Given the known biological activity of DMAA, the agency warns, the ingredient may be particularly dangerous when used with caffeine. An FDA news release reports the agency “is using all available tools at its disposal to ensure that dietary supplements containing a stimulant called dimethylamylamine (DMAA) are no longer distributed and available for sale to consumers in the marketplace.” How does the consumer know if a supplement contains DMAA? The FDA suggests taking a good look at the label, and advises that DMAA may also be listed as:
- 1,3-DMAA
- 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
- 1,3-Dimethylpentylamine
- 2-Amino-4-methylhexane
- 2-Hexanamine
- 4-Methyl-2-hexanamine
- 4-Methyl-2-hexylamine
- 4-methyl- (9CI)
- Dimethylamylamine
- Geranamine
- Methylhexanamine
- Methylhexanenamine
It isn’t just the stronger energy drinks. My daughter had a Vitamin Water Energy with just 50 mgs. caffeine and 50 mgs. Guarana. She was going to a doctor’s appointment and was expremely hyper, pacing, laughing, talking rapidly, poking at me. Her blood pressure rose over 40 points systolic and 20 points diastolic. This was in a kid who was in very good shape and had a blood pressure of 102/68. This much rise in blood pressure in an unhealthy kid with hypertension could have caused serious symptoms, including a heart attack or stroke. These drinks should be taken off the market and definite should not be sold to children.