UNREGULATED DRUGS

I would like to know which "natural" supplements Sen. Orrin Hatch is taking
for that "extra edge" (Tribune, Dec. 28). If they include ephedra, in the
right dose that would be equivalent to legalized speed. I find it a bit
hypocritical that someone who believes it a sin to drink a cup of coffee
would endorse taking a powerful stimulant such as ephedrine and would in
fact use his political clout to ensure it stays unregulated and available
over the counter.

Equally hypocritical is the fact that he would want evidence "based on
science rather than politics" to show these stimulants are harmful before
they are taken off the market. He successfully lobbied against requiring
such studies proving they are safe and effective in the first place before
they are placed on the market. There is truly a double standard for the
supplement and pharmaceutical industries.

As a psychiatrist I have seen a number of cases firsthand of the adverse
psychiatric effects of ephedra or ma huang can have. Insomnia, induction of
mania, psychosis, agitation, and aggression are a few. Perhaps if "used
properly" these supplements are not harmful. But methamphetamine in a
low-enough dose is not harmful either, yet it cannot be purchased on a
shelf at Osco.

The case of nutritional supplements shows what we learned with tobacco. It
isn't about science or "what's right" that gets laws passed. Money and
connections get things done in Washington.

MATTHEW J. GARDINER Bountiful