Triax Metabolic Accelerator / Triac May Cause Heart Attack & Strokes
Dateline: November 12, 1999
by Mary J. Shomon
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just issued a warning on Thursday to consumers, advising them NOT to buy or take a popular diet supplement known as "Triax Metabolic Accelerator." The product, which contains the thyroid hormone triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) -- also known as tiratricol -- has been found to cause abnormal thyroid function, and may even result in heart attack or stroke. Other symptoms of the product can include debilitating diarrhea, exhaustion, major weight loss, insomnia, nervousness, excessive sweating -- all common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, or an excess of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.
According to the FDA's Dr. David Orloff, someone taking the recommended dose of Triax could be getting up to 10 times more per day of a potent thyroid hormone than is normal.
According to the FDA statement, "...this product is not a dietary supplement but an unapproved new drug containing a potent thyroid hormone, which may cause serious health consequences...." The FDA is also urging anyone who may have purchased this product or any other product containing TRIAC to stop using it immediately and, to consult with a healthcare professional if they are experiencing any adverse effects, which may include insomnia, nervousness, sweating and diarrhea.''
According to the manufacturer's own website, "Triax is a potent thyroid hormone analogue which vastly raises the metabolic rate, especially in conditions of dieting."
Triac is particular popular with the bodybuilding community who are focused on reducing body fat.
For More Information:
- FD A Warns About Diet Supplement -- Reuters story from the About.com Newscenter
- FDA Warns About Weight-Loss Aid -- AP story on the FDA's warning about Triac
- The Triac Story: Overcoming Failure: Diets that Stop Working -- An article by the President of Syntrax Innovations, manufacturer of Triax
- The Triac Story -- A bodybuilding site's discussion of the supposed benefits of Triac
- Losing Weight with Hypothyroidism -- Information about effective weight loss with hypothyroidism.
Other Resources
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