The introduction of this bill confirms what USFA Counsel Rick Collins had long warned members about: that the 2002 legislation that ultimately became the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 would not satisfy anti-supplement zealots, but would instead be a beginning, not an end, to the attack on supplement freedoms. Trade associations like CRN and NNFA that immediately “sold out” on prohormones – leaving the USFA to fight alone – deserve a lot of the blame. Hopefully, Mr. Pecker’s association will make better, more far-sighted decisions than those other groups. Hopefully, he will favor action over rhetoric and rationalizations. But that remains to be seen. If this newly proposed legislation outrages you as much as it does Rick and me, contact the Sports and Fitness Supplement Association, care of David Pecker's office, and ask him what he is going to do about it.

Michael J. DiMaggio
Executive Director
United Supplement Freedom Association, Inc.

Stop Congress From Making DHEA Illegal: Ask your Senators and Representative to oppose S. 1137 and any companion House legislation! On May 26, Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill that could cut off your access to DHEA, a vital dietary supplement that provides important health benefits to seniors and those with chronic conditions. Your immediate help is needed to keep this safe and effective dietary supplement legal and accessible.

Why Should We Oppose This Bill? This legislation, S. 1137, would classify DHEA as an anabolic steroid, adding it to the list of controlled substances and removing it from the market. Similar legislation is expected soon in the House of Representatives.

DHEA is not an anabolic steroid. It is a naturally occurring hormone that has a wide range of benefits, including maintaining muscle strength and strong bones, boosting immunity, and improving mood and sleep patterns. Further studies suggest that DHEA may be helpful for such conditions as obesity, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. DHEA dietary supplements, which have been on the market for over 20 years, are derived from a plant in the wild yam family.

This legislation is aimed at preventing abuse of steroids by athletes. However, DHEA, unlike androstenedione and other hormone precursors closer to testosterone, does not have a marked effect in building muscle or enhancing performance. Researchers at Harvard University conducted surveys of weightlifters and other athletes and found that DHEA is rarely -- if ever -- used by athletes for performance enhancement.