Welcome to the “Supplement History” series! I’m a big fan of digging into the past of dietary supplements. Having studied how products, formulas, and marketing have changed over the years, an essential skill for a product developer, I’m excited to share the evolution of supplements with you. Join me as we unravel the story behind the pills and powders that have shaped our journey towards a healthier lifestyle and greater performance and how they’ve transformed over the decades!
In the world of fitness, bodybuilding and sports, the pursuit of better workout performance has driven the development of the preworkout supplement category.
DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) emerged as a popular ingredient in preworkout supplements in the early 2010s, promising increased energy, focus, and performance, with Jack3D and Muscle Marinade leading the pack.
Other names for DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) that were commonly used on supplement labels : Methylhexaneamine, methylhexamine, geranamine, geranium extract, geranium oil,
The introduction of DMAA introduction brought a renewed sense of excitement to the supplement industry, particularly in the preworkout sector, following a lackluster decade (2000s) since the ban of ephedrine.
In this article, we take a closer look at this era of the preworkout supplement game, and the subsequent regulatory actions that shaped the fate of this category.
The DMAA Craze
It was around 2010 and I was working as supplement promoter in Dischem, while pursing my first Masters degree, when DMAA-based products, particularly Jack3D hit the market in South Africa.
Therefore, I witnessed firsthand the fervour surrounding DMAA-containing products and was able to compare them to the former generation of potent ephedrine-based preworkouts like Ultimate Orange.
The appeal of Jack3D extended beyond the traditional bodybuilding community. It resonated with a diverse clientele seeking heightened energy levels.
Of note, lots of students were fond of this product, which promted retailers to place a warning sticker on the products to discourage the sale and use of these products for individuals under 18.
Jack3D quickly gained a cult following within the fitness community, transcending the boundaries of the gym.
Muscle Marinade, another popular preworkout supplement of that era, also included DMAA among its key ingredients.
As the fitness industry embraced the stimulant, numerous other products entered the market, each promising a surge in energy levels and an unparalleled workout experience.
The Controversy
Despite its popularity, DMAA became the subject of scrutiny due to reported adverse effects and safety concerns.
DMAA’s stimulant properties, similar to those of amphetamines, raised red flags among health professionals.
Reports of adverse events, including cases of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even fatalities, prompted regulatory bodies to reevaluate the safety of DMAA-containing supplements.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action, issuing warning letters and ultimately declaring DMAA illegal for use in dietary supplements in 2013. Other countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, also banned the substance.
The Downfall of Jack3D and Muscle Marinade
With the regulatory crackdown on DMAA, popular supplements like Jack3D from Purus Labs and Muscle Marinade faced a significant setback.
USP Labs, the manufacturer of Jack3D, came under legal scrutiny, and the product was eventually pulled from the market.
Muscle Marinade and similar supplements containing DMAA also faced challenges, with many manufacturers forced to reformulate their products to comply with the new regulations.
Microdosing and Compact Packaging Trends
I wanted to mention that beyond DMAA’s stimulant properties, Jack3D spearheaded two additional trends that reshaped the landscape of preworkout supplements, which we will deal with in another article.
- The emergence of microdosed preworkouts.
- The traditional bulky tubs were replaced by small, sleek jars which became a symbol of portability and convenience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFvQ9FEMyQw
Conclusion
The era of DMAA in preworkouts marked a period of excitement and controversy in the fitness world, reinvigorating the preworkout business after a lackluster decade since the ban of ephedrine. Products like Jack3D from Purus Labs, once hailed for their performance-enhancing properties, faced a swift decline as regulatory agencies addressed safety concerns. They made a shitload of money, though!
My experience in supplement sales during that time provides a unique perspective on the craze that surrounded these products and the subsequent industry shifts that followed.
Soon I will talk to you about where I think the preworkout category is heading, based on consumer needs and what is happening in the area of scientific research that will uncover new ingredients in the preworkout space.
Stay tuned!
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Disclaimers
Medical: The information presented on this website is intended for adults 18 or over. Its aim is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a medical or health professional before you begin any program related to exercise, nutrition, or supplementation especially if you have a medical condition. If you consume any product mentioned on our site, you do so on your own free will, and you knowingly and voluntarily accept the risks.
Other: The views expressed in this blog article are solely mine and do not represent the opinions or positions of any company or institution with which I am associated. Any information or opinions provided are based on my personal experiences, research, and understanding. I strive to ensure accuracy and reliability of the information provided.
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