Supplement Recall Update: FDA Adds Two More Toxic Products to Safety Alert
FDA Expands Safety Alert on Toxic Supplements, Urges Consumers to Stop Use
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Two more supplements have been added to a growing list of products found to contain dangerous levels of yellow oleander, a poisonous plant, prompting an urgent warning from the U.S.Food and drug Governance (FDA).
The FDA’s safety alert now includes 25 products, with New Me and VidaSlim being the latest additions. These supplements were marketed online as containing tejocote root, a traditional remedy used for various ailments, including digestion and weight loss. however, testing revealed the presence of yellow oleander ( Thevetia peruviana), which can have severe and perhaps fatal consequences if ingested.
Yellow oleander poisoning can lead to a range of serious health problems affecting the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and digestive system.
While 10 products have been recalled by their manufacturers or sellers, others remain on the market. The FDA expressed concern that these potentially dangerous supplements are still accessible to consumers.
the agency urges anyone who may have these products in their possession to promptly stop using them and dispose of them safely.
Individuals who have consumed these supplements are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately, regardless of when they took the product. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to assess potential health risks.
In case of suspected poisoning, call 911 immediately.
The FDA also recommends contacting your state’s poison control center for further guidance and support. you can find your local poison control center at https://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/poison-centers/find-poison-center.
FDA Expands Warning on Tejocote Supplements after Poisonous Plant Found
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an expanded safety alert warning consumers about potentially dangerous tejocote root supplements contaminated with yellow oleander, a highly toxic plant.
The alert, initially issued in January 2024, has been updated several times as the FDA continues to identify more products containing the poisonous substance.
The issue first came to light in September 2022 when a toddler was hospitalized after ingesting their mother’s Eva Nutrition Mexican Tejocote Root supplements. The child experienced severe symptoms including nausea,vomiting,low blood pressure,and heart problems,but thankfully recovered after medical treatment.
Following this incident, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted an examination and discovered that several tejocote products on the market were adulterated with yellow oleander. This prompted the FDA to launch its own investigation, leading to the initial safety alert and subsequent updates.
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Tejocote root,traditionally used in Mexican medicine for various ailments,is believed to aid digestion,promote weight loss,and reduce inflammation. However, the presence of yellow oleander in these supplements poses a serious health risk.
The FDA urges consumers to immediately stop using any tejocote root supplements and to consult with a healthcare professional if they have experienced any adverse effects. The agency is continuing to investigate the source of the contamination and is working with retailers to remove affected products from the market.
Newsweek has reached out to the FDA and Amazon for comment.
Consumers urged to check their medicine cabinets as popular brands pulled from shelves
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a series of urgent recall warnings for popular dietary supplements found to contain hidden and potentially dangerous ingredients. The agency is urging consumers to immediately stop using the affected products and consult with their healthcare providers.
The recalled supplements, marketed for a range of health benefits, were found to contain undeclared pharmaceuticals, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
Among the recalled products are weight loss supplements, marketed for their ability to aid in shedding pounds. These supplements were found to contain sibutramine, a weight-loss drug withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2010 due to safety concerns, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
“The presence of these undeclared ingredients in dietary supplements is a serious public health concern,” said an FDA spokesperson. “Consumers may unknowingly be taking these drugs, which can have serious side effects and interact with other medications they are taking.”
The FDA is working with the manufacturers to remove the recalled products from the market and is investigating the source of the contamination.
This latest recall follows a string of similar incidents in recent months, highlighting the growing concern over the safety and regulation of the dietary supplement industry.
What to Do if you Have Recalled Supplements
If you have any of the recalled supplements, the FDA advises you to:
Stop using the product immediately.
discard the product safely.
consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your health.
For a complete list of recalled supplements and further information, visit the FDA website.
Staying Safe: Tips for Choosing Supplements
Look for products with a USP Verified Mark: This indicates that the product has been independently tested for quality and purity.
Choose reputable brands: Research the manufacturer and look for companies with a history of quality and safety.
Talk to your doctor: Before taking any new supplement, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is indeed safe for you and will not interact with any medications you are taking.
Toxic Supplements: A Growing Threat
(Newsdirect3.com) – Today,we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in toxicology and public health, about the FDA’s alarming expansion of its safety alert regarding poisonous supplements.
ND3: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. This latest FDA warning adds two more supplements to the already alarming list of products contaminated with yellow oleander.Can you tell us why this advancement is so concerning?
Dr. Carter: you’re right to be concerned.Yellow oleander is extremely toxic. Even small amounts can cause serious harm, affecting the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and digestive system. Symptoms can range from nausea and vomiting to seizures, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
ND3: The FDA says 10 of these products have been recalled, but the others remain on the market. What should consumers do if they have these supplements in their possession?
Dr. Carter: This is critical. Anyone who has these supplements should immediately stop taking them and dispose of them safely. Don’t try to throw them away in the regular trash; contact your local waste management facility for guidance on disposing of hazardous materials.
ND3: These supplements were marketed as containing tejocote root, a traditional remedy. Should people be wary of herbal remedies, or are there steps they can take to ensure safety?
Dr. Carter: It’s notable to remember that even natural substances can be hazardous. While many herbal remedies are safe and effective, it’s crucial to purchase them from reputable sources and to be aware of potential interactions with medications.
ND3: What advice would you give to someone who suspects they may have ingested one of these contaminated supplements?
Dr. Carter: Time is of the essence. Contact your healthcare provider immediately,or in case of severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or seizures,call 911 immediately.
ND3: The FDA is actively investigating this ongoing situation. Is there anything else our readers should know?
Dr. Carter: This highlights the importance of staying informed about recalls and safety alerts from the FDA. Be cautious when buying supplements online and always err on the side of caution. Your health is worth it.
(Newsdirect3.com) – We thank Dr. Carter for her valuable insights. for a complete list of contaminated products and further information, please visit the FDA website. The safety of our readers is our top priority.We urge everyone to take this warning seriously and protect themselves from these potentially deadly supplements.