I got a response from one of my States (OK) Senators. I was surprised that he does not support the DHEA banning effort. By the way, he is/was a physician. Here is the letter he sent if anyone is interested.
September 12, 2005
Mr. XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73150
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your recent e-mail expressing your concerns
regarding S.
1137. This bill would change the classification of the dietary
supplement
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from a supplement to an anabolic
steroid.
As a practicing physician, I understand the benefits provided
by many
dietary supplements. I myself take Citracal D and folic acid.
Consumers
must be aware that these supplements have not been evaluated or
approved
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat or prevent
health
problems. Numerous studies, however, have indicated the health
benefits
of dietary supplements. Studies have also identified adverse
health risks
for some patients from certain supplements. It is, therefore,
vitally
important that you and other patients taking dietary
supplements consult
with a physician to prevent adverse effects, especially if you
are taking
prescription medication.
Epidemiological data indicate an inverse relationship between
serum DHEA
and its active metabolite, DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), levels and the
frequency
of cancer, cardiovascular disease (in men only), Alzheimer's
disease and
other age-related disorders, immune function, and progression
of HIV
infection. Animal (primarily rodent) studies have suggested
many
beneficial effects of DHEA, including improved immune function
and memory
and prevention of atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, and
obesity. Many of
the benefits seen in animal studies have yet to be shown in
humans.
Clinical data suggest that DHEA may have a role in hormone
replacement
therapy in patients with low endogenous DHEA and DHEAS levels
due to
chronic diseases, adrenal exhaustion, corticosteroid therapy,
and
advancing age. However, as a potent steroid precursor, DHEA can
significantly increase androgen levels in women and may enhance
the
progression of estrogen and testosterone-sensitive cancers.
Supplementation with DHEA should never be undertaken without
direct
medical supervision. The long-term effects of DHEA
supplementation are
unknown.
Last year, Congress enacted the Anabolic Steroid Control Act
of 2004.
This legislation placed a number of steroid precursors on the
Controlled
Substances List because these products were being marketed as
muscle
builders and performance enhancers, and had the potential to
lead to the
same adverse effects as synthetic prescription steroids. DHEA
was
specifically and intentionally omitted from that list.
Congress preserved
the Drug Enforcement Agency's authority to schedule DHEA in the
future if
significant abuse of these products occurs.
At this time, based upon the scientific data that I have
reviewed, I do
not believe that DHEA need be placed on the Controlled
Substances List. I
will continue to review the scientific literature and monitor
this issue
should any legislation come before the Senate for a vote that
would
regulate DHEA.
For more information on DHEA, you may call the National
Institutes of
Health Hotline number: 1-800-222-2225.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views. Feel
free to
contact me in the future if I can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely, A
Tom Coburn
United States Senator
TC: tf
).