Anti-S.2470 DHEA Bill
(Sample Petition Letter)

The Honorable (Senator First/Last Name)

Dear Senator Last Name;

I am writing in opposition to SB 2470, a bill to classify Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, as an anabolic steroid and regulate dietary supplements containing DHEA as an ingredient as a prescription drug. Supplements containing DHEA as an ingredient have been safely sold and consumed for over 20 years. Derived from a plant in the wild yam family, DHEA is a naturally-occurring hormone that has a proven scientific record of having a wide range of health benefits for older Americans and people with chronic conditions. DHEA may be helpful for such conditions as obesity, low libido, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Importantly, DHEA-containing supplements are not anabolic steroids. There has been no evidence presented that DHEA-containing supplements produce the negative effects commonly associated with steroid abuse.

This bill is contrary to the intent of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act (ASCA). In amending this law, Congress specifically exempted DHEA-containing supplements from regulation as a controlled substance. This bill would actually contradict federal policy by reclassifying what is simply a food ingredient used in dietary supplements as a prescription drug instead. Foods and supplements are not drugs under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The bill also proposes to preempt State laws banning the sale of synthetically-based DHEA substances to people under 18 years of age, and to adults.

As one of the more than 150 million consumers of dietary supplements, and someone who does not take anabolic steroids, I am strongly opposed to this bill. I would appreciate knowing where you stand on this legislation.

 Sincerely,


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