In cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MuscleMaster.com, Inc announced a recall of 17 dietary supplements, on January 15, 2010. The FDA says the supplements contain ingredients that are or should be classified as steroids. MuscleMaster.com says that it cannot independently confirm the FDA's claims and that the recall should not be construed as an admission of selling illegal products, but is a precautionary measure.

Undeclared Anabolic Steroids in Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements marketed to bodybuilders sometimes contain undeclared anabolic steroids because they are effective in helping build muscle mass. Anabolic steroids are Schedule III controlled substances and including them in over-the-counter supplements is illegal. However, the process of classifying specific ingredients as anabolic steroids is a complicated process and the FDA does not have the authority to do so. That is the responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Of the five suspect ingredients that are or may be contained in the recalled dietary supplements, only two, androstenedione and Turinabol are technically classified as anabolic steroids. The other three, Superdrol, Madol, and Tren are substances that the FDA believes should be classified as steroids.

Why Undeclared Steroids Are Dangerous
Anabolic steroids can have dangerous and even fatal side effects. People who take them knowingly and willingly at least have the opportunity to be informed of the risks and look out for signs of the side effects. Those who take products with undeclared steroids do not have that advantage and can incur serious harm before discovering the source of the problem.

Acute liver damage is among the many potential side effects of steroid use.

If you have taken a dietary supplement or any other product that was later discovered to be defective or dangerous in any way, please contact the experienced defective drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton serving clients in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin and Iowa.