GC-MS links diet pill consumption with addiction

Chemicals contained in diet pills can lead to them being addictive, researchers using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have found.

According to Medpage Today, scientists at Harvard Medical School revealed undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients in capsules and tablets can also lead to a number of psychiatric problems.

Benjamin Smith and Pieter Cohen, authors of the study, wrote in The American Journal on Addictions: "Given the rising prevalence of adulterated diet pills, increasing awareness among clinicians of their use and addictive potential is critical."

In one case study, the pair examined Brazilian diet pills and using GC-MS techniques showed they contained fenproporex, chlordiazepoxide and fluoxetine.

Dr Smith and Dr Cohen noted these chemicals can cause anxiety, depression and even hallucinations, alongside facilitating progressive usage behaviours and an inability to sleep.

GC-MS is currently being utilised by lab workers at the University of Maine in Orono, Wabi TV reported, in an effort to find out whether diseases can be detected in human breath.