The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a safety warning regarding a stimulant compound found in dozens of popular pre-workout supplements currently on the market. The ingredient, a synthetic caffeine analog marketed as 'mega-caffeine,' has been linked to 23 adverse event reports including heart palpitations, seizures, and three hospitalizations.
The FDA is urging consumers to immediately stop using products containing the compound and has sent warning letters to 14 supplement manufacturers demanding they reformulate or remove affected products from shelves. The agency is also considering adding the ingredient to its banned substances list.
Health experts recommend that consumers stick to well-researched pre-workout ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine, and always verify that supplements carry third-party testing certifications from organizations like NSF or Informed Sport.
