I was given a free sample of Redline Extreme a few weeks ago at the UFC Fan Expo in Boston.  I wanted to post about it sooner, but it scared me.  If it doesn’t bother you that the FDA lets supplement companies do whatever they want, it should.  Let’s examine the bottle to see why!  On first glance, it’s not so bad . . .

Nifty bottle! Maybe I'll give it a try?

But not so fast!

Read the label? No way! Well, maybe . . .

Upon closer scrutiny . . .

Is the warning label supposed to be this big? Should it contain so much fine print? I thought this was a kick-ass sports supplement!

Yeah.  If you can’t read that, take a look!  I bolded the best parts!

WARNING: NOT FOR USE BY INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR NURSING. Consult a physician or licensed qualified health care professional before using this product if you have, or have a family history of, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or other psychiatric condition, glaucoma, difficulty in urinating, prostate enlargement, or seizure disorder, or if you are using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or any other dietary supplement, prescription drug, or over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain allergy, asthma, cough or cold, and weight control products). Do not exceed recommended serving. Exceeding recommended serving may cause adverse health effects. Discontinue use and call a physician or licensed qualified health care professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath, or other similar symptoms. Individuals who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine or have a medical condition should consult a licensed health care professional before consuming this product. Do not use this product if you are more than 15 pounds over weight. The consumer assumes total liability if this product is used in a manner inconsistent with label guidelines. Do not use for weight reduction. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Do not consume synepherine or caffeine from other sources, including but not limited to, coffee, tea, soda and other dietary supplements or medications containing phenylephrine or caffeine. Do not use for more than 8 weeks. Use of this product may cause your skin to be extra sensitive to UV sources, such as artificial or natural sunlight. Avoid excessive exposures from these sources. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

The consumer assumes total liability if this product is used in a manner inconsistent with label guidelines. Do not use for weight reduction. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Do not consume synepherine or caffeine from other sources, including but not limited to, coffee, tea, soda and other dietary supplements or medications containing phenylephrine or caffeine. Do not use for more than 8 weeks. Use of this product may cause your skin to be extra sensitive to UV sources, such as artificial or natural sunlight. Avoid excessive exposures from these sources. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

*When combined with resistance training and the Zero Impact® Diet. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

You don’t have deja vu.  It lists that last part TWICE.  I guess they’re a little worried about what might happen to you if you actually drink the stuff.  Maybe you should be too?

It also says on the other side of the bottle that A TINGLING SKIN IS NORMAL WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT.  Really?  Here’s how I decided to proceed:

A little common sense . . .

The sad thing is, this stuff actually doesn’t taste as lethal as it should.  I licked the cap, and it tasted like syrupy lime Gatorade.  The other sad thing is I bet most of the guys who got this probably downed the whole bottle while standing in line at the Expo.  No wonder there were ambulances by the entrance!

I’m not trying to get on a soapbox here.  I’m a recovering caffeine addict whose been know to down an occasional energy drink.  But I never tried one that put my life in danger.  Seriously, is it really worth the “significant 7.5% improvement reaction time! 13% increase in energy! An amazing 15% increase in focus!”

I don’t think so.

Required reading:  As some of you know I’m an English teacher, and I like to give homework.  Watch Bigger, Stronger, Faster to learn more about steroids, supplements, and other performance-enhancers that we Americans rely on everyday.  Drugs aren’t the real problem, no matter how many times Henry Waxman tries to make Mark McGwire cry on TV.