Stimulants

BMPEA: A prohibited ingredient

BMPEA pills and bottle

BMPEA (also known as β-methylphenylethylamine, R-beta methylphenylethylamine, beta-methylphenethylamine and others) is an unapproved amphetamine-like substance that has been appearing in some dietary supplement products. BMPEA was first made in the 1930s as a possible replacement to amphetamine (a central nervous system stimulant), although it never became a drug because no studies were performed on its safety in humans. More recent studies, however, have shown that BMPEA can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of a cardiovascular event.

In 2017 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested 21 supplement products with the ingredient Acacia rigidula listed on the label and found that 9 of the 21 products contained BMPEA, which is not derived from the plant Acacia rigidula. Some dietary supplement products actually list BMPEA (often using one of the terms listed above) on their labels.

FDA has issued a warning stating, “…BMPEA does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient.” Therefore, dietary supplement products with BMPEA are misbranded and cannot be sold as dietary supplements. However, BMPEA continues to be found as an ingredient in dietary supplement products, including ones with “Acacia rigidula” on their labels.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned BMPEA, and BMPEA is also is on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients list.

 

Updated 07 March 2022