AmmoniaSport 

Smelling salts have come a long way since the Victorian era when they were used to revive swooning women. Now companies like AmmoniaSport have been targeting athletes with claims of boosting performance.

However, at least one clinical review concluded that ammonia inhalants, commonly known as smelling salts, “have limited benefit with regards to sports performance.”

In March, the FDA sent AmmoniaSport, the maker of several smelling salt products, a warning letter citing unapproved claims to boost focus, energy, strength and performance in athletes.

Today, the company’s website – ammoniasport.com – links to the company’s Amazon store, where no products are available for purchase. The company’s Facebook and Instagram pages also appear to have been wiped.

However, easily accessible Google search results reveal that the company’s FAQ page is still published (and still making problematic claims) and that the products are still available for purchase from other retailers.

Company responds

In response to a request for comment by TINA.org, AmmoniaSport CEO Justin Rapoport said the company stopped selling smelling salts in the United States in March.

“Any AmmoniaSport product available in the US currently is either used from a previous buyer or a knock off,” he said. “Our listings on Amazon have all been removed and we do not sell on our website.”

Rapoport said the FAQ page was also removed from the company website but as TINA.org pointed out in a follow-up email to the CEO, it is still accessible in Google search results for the company’s products. In response, Rapoport said the company will look into how to remove the FAQ page “completely.”

Of note

In a May 2023 press release warning consumers not to purchase unapproved smelling salts sold by a different company, Nose Slap, the FDA noted that inhaling ammonia can quickly lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as coughing and airway restriction.

Find more of our coverage on inhalants marketed for health benefits here.