Ben Williams
Energy supplements have become a staple of petrol station shelves across the US, promising focus, mental clarity, and explosive energy for the price of a meal deal, but those regular American consumers have a new warning to keep in mind.
Most people grab them without a second thought, since they’re cheap and marketed with enough confidence to seem legitimate. For one popular brand, however, that casual trust has become a serious problem.
The FDA has issued an urgent advisory warning consumers, retailers, and distributors not to use, sell, or distribute two Addall-brand dietary supplements: the orange-flavoured Addall XR Shot and the Addall XL 30 capsules. Both are distributed by ZMB Enterprises, LLC, and sold online as well as at gas stations and convenience stores across the US.
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Laboratory testing of online retail samples found that both products contain unlawful and undeclared ingredients.
The orange-flavoured XR Shot was found to contain Phenibut, a central nervous system depressant with no lawful place in US dietary supplements, as well as undeclared 1,4-DMAA, a synthetic stimulant the FDA classifies as an illegal, unapproved food additive. The Addall XL capsules were found to contain DMHA, also unlawful, alongside undeclared 1,4-DMAA.
The agency was clear about what that means for anyone who has been using either product.
Regarding these stimulants, the FDA’s statement reads: "DMAA and DMHA can elevate blood pressure and could lead to cardiovascular problems, including shortness of breath, tightening of the chest, and even heart attack."
Phenibut carries its own risks, as well. The FDA stated it ‘can cause neurocognitive side effects, including the development of poor balance, fatigue, and diminished or loss of consciousness.’
Addiction is also a concern, with the agency warning that dependence is ‘possibly developing after using the product only a few times.’ It added that consuming it ‘could also lead to life-threatening complications if it is used in combination with other substances (prescribed or illicit).’
The FDA raised the issue with ZMB Enterprises in January, recommending a full recall of both products. The company agreed to pull only the XR Shot, refused to recall the capsules, and told the agency it would stop using phenibut going forward.
That partial response was not enough, prompting the FDA to issue this public health alert directly.
Consumers who have either product at home are advised to stop using it immediately and dispose of it. Anyone who has experienced symptoms after taking either supplement should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.