Convenient store chain 7-Eleven Inc. and dietary supplement distributor EAS announced Wednesday that they will no longer sell products containing ephedra due to the substance's link to heart attacks, strokes and seizures. Ephedra, which peaked in popularity two years ago when athletes endorsed the supplement as a means for quick energy and weight loss, has recently been the subject of criticism among interest groups and health professionals because of the product's link to debilitating side effects. Spokespersons for 7-Eleven and EAS said insurance, liability and regulatory issues were major factors in the companies' decision to end sales of ephedra products.

Last year, Metabolife International, a leading maker of ephedra-based products, submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over 16,000 health complaints involving the company's ephedra weight loss pills. Dozens of grievances reportedly mentioned death or serious illness.