Senator Bill Nelson's response on Ephedra (Florida)

[Guest guest]

Here's what Senator Nelson responded to my letter.

 

Dear Mr. Bernall:

 

Thank you for contacting me regarding your opposition to the

Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) ban on ephedra and ephedra

containing products.

 

 

On December 30, 2003, the FDA issued a consumer alert on the

safety of dietary supplements containing ephedra. The alert advised

consumers to stop buying and using ephedra products immediately. In

addition, the FDA also notified manufacturers that it intends to

publish a final rule stating that dietary supplements containing

ephedra present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The rule

would have the effect of banning the sale of these products as soon

as it becomes effective, 60 days after publication.

 

In October, 2003 the Senate Commerce Committee held hearings

examining the safety of ephedra products. At this hearing evidence

linking ephedra to adverse events was presented. In Florida, ephedra

products have claimed the lives of at least two people.

Additionally, it has been linked to the deaths of at least 30 of our

nation's military personnel.

 

While I recognize that many people have used this product

without adverse effects, I support the decision by the FDA to ban

ephedra unless it can be proven safe for future users. I will

continue to closely monitor this issue and the guidelines that

regulate dietary supplements. Please be assured that I will keep

your views in mind should these issues come before the full Senate

and please feel free to contact my office, should you have

any further concerns.

 

 

Sincerely,

Bill Nelson

 

-

 

Fernando

[Guest guest]

The standard cut-and-paste reply.

 

Bob

[Guest guest]

Great article

alon

 

 

The Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin: A Review of the Science

This review summarizes the physiology of melatonin and discusses the

potential therapeutic uses of melatonin for conditions, such as sleep

disorders, cancer, seizures, among others.

Medscape General Medicine 6(2) 2004

http://mp.medscape.com/cgi-bin1/DM/y/egLR0EDHzl0D2p0FvrQ0AK