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CNN LIVE AT DAYBREAK

Tests Confirm Ephedra Contributed to Death of Pitcher

Aired March 14, 2003 - 06:23   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, toxicology tests confirmed that the diet supplement ephedra contributed to the death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler.
Our medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: According to the medical examiner, ephedra played a significant role in the death of pitcher Steve Bechler. Bechler died actually of a heat stroke and according to the medical examiner, ephedra has a thermogenic effect, which means that it can raise body temperature.

Now, the medical examiner made a point of saying that ephedra was not the only thing that caused Steve Bechler's death. He also mentioned that Bechler had liver problems, that he had high blood pressure and also that he was overweight.

At a press conference, the medical examiner had a message for Bechler's family.

DR. JOSHUA PERPER, CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER, BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA: Perhaps the thing which should make them feel a little bit better and feel that the death of their loved one was not in vain is the fact that apparently it was a wakeup call for governmental agencies.

COHEN: After Bechler's death, the Food and Drug Administration proposed putting labels on the front of ephedra's product, warning about the possible dangers of taking the supplement. Those dangers include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, psychiatric problems and even death. The ephedra industry says that the supplement is safe as long as taken as directed. The bottle of ephedra that Bechler apparently took said to take two tablets in the morning. The medical examiner said it appears that he took three tables in the morning.

Twelve million Americans use ephedra to enhance athletic performance and to help lose weight. According to a new study, ephedra does help people with short-term weight loss, meaning two pounds a month for six months, but that there's no evidence that it helps with keeping that weight off, in other words, with long-term weight loss. And also, the study said that there's no evidence that it enhances athletic performance.

The American Medical Association and other medical groups have called for ephedra to be banned in over the counter sales -- back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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