title: A methamphetamine analog (N,α-diethyl-phenylethylamine) identified in a mainstream dietary supplement.
abstract: Pharmaceuticals and banned substances have been detected in hundreds of purportedly natural supplements. Recently, several athletes have been disqualified from competition after testing positive for the methamphetamine analog N,α-diethyl-phenylethylamine (N,α-DEPEA). Athletes have claimed they unknowingly consumed the banned stimulant in workout supplements. Three samples from different lot numbers of Craze, a workout supplement, were analyzed to detect the presence and concentration of N,α-DEPEA. Two labs independently identified N,α-DEPEA in the supplement using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to an LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer and UHPLC-quadruple-time-of-flight mass (Q-TOF) spectrometer, respectively. The identity of N,α-DEPEA was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance and reference standards. Manufacturer recommended servings were estimated to provide 21 to 35 mg of N,α-DEPEA. N,α-DEPEA has never been studied in humans. N,α-DEPEA is a methamphetamine analog; however, its stimulant, addictive and other adverse effects in humans are entirely unknown. Regulatory agencies should act expeditiously to warn consumers and remove N,α-DEPEA from all dietary supplements.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
authors.forename: Pieter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Travis
authors.forename: Bastiaan J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Venhuis
mesh_terms: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; C587790:N,alpha-diethylphenylethylamine; D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: adulteration; dietary supplements; methamphetamine