UPDATED: 11:41 a.m. EST February 25, 2003
FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- It may be hard to
think about heat-related injuries this time of year, but that is what Fort
Bragg is doing. Military leaders are concerned about ephedra.
Ephedra, a dietary supplement that is commonly found in weight loss
products, has been linked to heat-related injuries. Researchers have said
taking the supplement can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and
seizures.
Fort Bragg is advising soldiers to tell their doctors if they are taking
ephedra and to call the post dietitian for more information.
Ephedra has been banned by the NFL, the NCAA and the International Olympic
Committee. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died about a week ago, one
day after collapsing at spring training with heatstroke. A medical examiner
said the death may be linked to the Ephedra-based diet pill, Xenadrine RFA-1.
