The substance is found increasingly in nutritional supplements, particularly in weight loss or energy enhancing remedies, and some products have been known to include the drug without specifying it on an ingredients label.

It was placed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list in 2010 as a non specified stimulant, but was re-categorised in 2011 as a specified stimulant in competition only.

Yousefi Pashaki tested positive for the substance on February 5, during the Malaysia Open Powerlifting Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

The Asian Games -56kg silver medallist explained in a hearing that he had taken a supplement called 'Jack3d' and had been unaware that it contained methylhexaneamine.

Yousefi Pashaki's suspension dates back to February 29 2012, when he was notified of the violation, and he has also been given a $1,500 (£9,260/€1,130) fine.

The 23-year-old has also had his qualification for London 2012 revoked, and his place will be taken up by the next athlete on the minimum qualifying standards list.

Iran won two powerlifting gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

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