Undeclared Steroids In Dietary Supplements

According to federal authorities, two over-the-counter dietary supplements, Tren Xtreme and Mass Xtreme, contain illegal man-made steroids. The products are made by American Cellular Labs, and are sold over the internet and in Mass Muscle supplement stores. Authorities say that Tren Xtreme and Mass Xtreme are marketed as a "potent legal alternative to" steroids, and are popular among high school footbal players. The man identified as the owner of American Cellular Labs, claimed that he sold the company last year, and no one from Mass Muscle stores was available for comment. The head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency says that these products are popular dietary supplements because they promote quick muscle mass and strength. Their use among young people is of concern because steroid use by preteen and teenage boys can lead to the halt of bone growth. The FDA and prosecutors from the Northern District of California branch of the United States Attorney’s office are leading the investigation into American Cellular Labs. Dietary supplements are under the jurisdiction of the FDA, but the FDA can only institute action if a current product on sale is identified as harmful or adulterated. However, a supplement is considered as an illegal, unapproved drug, if it contains an undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredient. Using supplements with undeclared illegal pharmaceutical ingredients is risky because such drugs have risks. The risks cannot be monitored for, if the consumer is unaware of the ingredient.