A new study has found that many popular diet drugs and sports supplements could have a harmful amphetamine type substance. Currently, the health risks linked with the substance similar to amphetamine are not known as it has not been tested on humans until now. The study has been published in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis.

According to the study, the substance is beta-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA) and it could be present in diet drugs that advertise Acacia rigidula as an active ingredient. The diet supplements promise to boost energy and help in weight loss. As per reports, Acacia rigidula, which is a shrub type plant, is usually found in Texas. BMPEA can only be made synthetically, the reports further stated.

About two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had found BMPEA in supplements. That time, the United States Department of Health and Human Services did not issue warning to customers.

According to authors of the new study, "The FDA should instantly warn people about BMPEA and take an appropriate action to remove BMPEA from dietary supplements. Doctors should remain vigilant for people presenting with toxicity from weight-loss supplements and sports supplements as they might contain BMPEA".

Some companies that produce supplements have removed such products from their shelves as the products could contain the BMPEA. As per the reports, the supplement companies do not require any approval from FDA to sell their products. The researchers do not know the health risks linked with the harmful substance as it has not been tested on humans until now, but studies have been conducted on animals. According to the researchers, the studies have found that BMPEA could raise heart rate and blood pressure.

More than a decade ago, the FDA banned Ephedra when it reviewed the effectiveness and safety of the stimulant.