Food-Borne Clenbuterol May Have Potential for Cardiovascular Effects with Chronic Exposure (Commentary)

Clenbuterol, a selective beta2 (β2)-adrenergic agonist, can increase muscle mass and reduce fat content, and has been used as a growth-promoter in livestock (1,2). Acute β-adrenergic poisoning following the ingestion of clenbuterol-contaminated beef, pork, veal, and other animal parts has been well-described and recently reviewed (3). There is theoretically a potential for chronic cardiac toxicity from food-borne clenbuterol.

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