FDA warns of liver injury from muscle-building supplement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to avoid dietary supplements sold by a Las Vegas company because they may contain anabolic steroids that can cause liver damage.

The agency said it is investigating Tri-Methyl Xtreme supplements after three reported injuries from customers. Extreme Products Group, of Las Vegas, sells the capsules as a muscle-building supplement, and claims that they contain anabolic steroids.

Synthetic steroids can cause a number of dangerous side effects, including liver injury, and increase risks of heart attack and stroke.

The FDA has struggled for years to crack down on dietary supplements spiked with drugs. Under longstanding regulations, supplements do not undergo FDA review before they are marketed. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe. They cannot contain prescription drug ingredients.