Presence and quantity of ingredients in sports supplements purportedly containing the orchid Eria jarensis.

Abstract

Introduction: The orchid Eria jarensis, purported to be a major source of N,N-dimethylphenethylamine, is promoted as a novel botanical ingredient in sport supplements.

Objective: To determine the presence and quantity of ingredients found in Eria jarensis sports supplements.

Methods: Supplements were purchased online in the United States, and each product was analyzed using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results: None of the 12 Eria jarensis supplements analyzed were accurately labeled. The products contained inaccurately labeled quantities of caffeine, theobromine, hordenine, yohimbine, N,N-dimethylphenethylamine, and synephrine. Products that listed caffeine on the label contained quantities ranging from 0.1 to 665 mg/serving size. Nine of 12 products either listed an ingredient on the label that was not detected in the product or contained a stimulant not listed on the label. Four of 12 products contained an undeclared stimulant. In addition, two of these products contained the United States Food and Drug Administration-prohibited stimulant 1,4-dimethylamylamine.

Discussion: The United States Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate the safety or quality of supplements prior to market introduction, and our findings reflect the consequences of this regulatory framework.

Conclusion: Sports supplements labeled as containing Eria jarensis that we tested were inaccurately labeled and contained high quantities of caffeine and undeclared stimulants.