Product Liability Experts Urge Weightlifters To Take Care When Buying Supplements

Product liability experts at national law firm Irwin Mitchell call all gym-goers to check the ingredients of their supplements after the Government calls for athletes to steer clear from ingredient DMAA, calling it ‘potentially dangerous.’

As January sparks New Year fitness resolutions, the Government Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) urge athletes to avoid taking DMAA, also known as Methylhexanamine which has been labelled as potentially dangerous. 

The product can be found in unlicensed medicines marketed as sports supplements and has been found to have highly dangerous side effects such as high blood pressure, tightening in the chest, strokes, heart attacks and even death. 

The Government body has said that a significant number of products containing DMAA continue to be found on sale in the UK. 

The messaging around dangerous supplements is being promoted through the MHRA’s The Week of Action (30 January- 5 February) to highlight the dangers of unlicensed products including stories being shared by health and fitness bloggers. 

The regulatory body takes urgent action to remove products from sale when DMAA is found on the market.  Kevin Timms, product liability expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Weightlifting can be a great sport to increase strength and improve a person’s health as well as physique. Such strain on the body requires athletes to take supplements such as protein and amino acids to aid recovery; however it’s important to check that the supplements you buy are safe.

“Unlicensed products can have significantly dangerous side effects – they aren’t licensed for a reason. Chemicals that you put into your body must be taken seriously and as cases show, some products can lead to serious consequences.

“We urge athletes to check the ingredients of the supplements that they are taking and if you’re thinking about taking supplements for the first time, always research the ingredients and allowance before usage, as well as buying from a reputable retailer. It is also worth seeking advice from health professionals.”


Kevin Timms - Solicitor

If a defective product has caused you an injury or made you ill, our product liability lawyers could help you claim compensation. See our Defective Food & Lifestyle Supplement Illness Claims page for more information.