The National Football League (NFL) prohibited players from the use of aromatic salts and any other ammonia inhalation in previous activities and during the matches under the argument that they can mask the signs of a brain shock.
“In the light of this information, from the 2025 season of the NFL, the teams are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any way during the NFL matches,” reads the memorandum sent by the League.
According to the information issued by NFL Network, The NFL head, neck and column committee recommended prohibiting the use of ammonia inhalation for any purpose after Warning made last year by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the statement, the FDA cited the lack of evidence that supports the effectiveness of ammonia inhalations (in any of its modalities) marketed to, in theory, improve mental acuity or increase energy and stressed the possible negative effects of its use.
“For clarity, 'ammonia' refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in glass and any type of 'aromatic salts'. This prohibition applies during all NFL matches, including all activities prior to the party and entertainment, the same in the lateral lines as in the locker room of the stadium, “concludes the writing.
Among the players who accepted that they used aromatic salts are George Kittle, stellar wing of the San Francisco 49erswho on Tuesday regretted the decision.
“I will consider retirement. We have to find a midpoint to this matter“The Gambusinos star said in an interview of the Liga Canal.
The main concern of the NFL head, neck and column committee is that these inhaling have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptomsincluding those of a brain shock, which could cause a player who received a blow to the head returns to the field after a wrong diagnosis.
