You'd assume that since vitamins are sold to improve our health, they're carefully tested and regulated to ensure safety. But that's not the case.
"Supplement companies are responsible for having evidence that their products are safe, and the label claims are truthful and not misleading," explains the NIH. "However, as long as the product does not contain a new dietary ingredient (one introduced since October 15, 1994), the company does not have to provide this safety evidence to FDA before the product is marketed."
So, perhaps it's not all that surprising that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued recalls for three supplements, one of which contains a potentially "toxic" ingredient and two that contain "unapproved drugs."
A joint pain supplement was recalled over "undeclared diclofenac and dexamethasone."
FDA
In a Dec. 16 recall notice, the FDA warned consumers that GNMART Inc. had recalled all lots of its Force Forever supplements for joint pain after an FDA analysis found that they contained "undeclared" diclofenac and dexamethasone.
"Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (commonly referred to as NSAIDs)," explains the FDA. "NSAIDs may cause increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines."
"Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions," the agency adds. "Corticosteroid use can impair a person’s ability to fight infections and can cause high blood sugar levels, muscle injuries and psychiatric problems."
The Force Forever supplements are packaged in white bottles with red caps containing 60 tablets and with an expiration date of 03/27/2030. The product was sold nationwide through GNMART's website.
If you have these supplements, you should stop taking them immediately. At the current time, there have been no reports of adverse effects related to the recall.
RELATED: Recall of Common Anxiety Medication Expanded Over "Life-Threatening" Mistake, FDA Says.
Eight supplements from the brand VidaSlim were recalled after a "toxic" ingredient was found.
FDA
The next batch of recalled supplements was found by the FDA to potentially contain yellow oleander, which they note "can cause adverse effects on neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular health that can be serious or even fatal." Symptoms of consuming yellow oleander include "nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart changes, arrhythmia, and more."
Eight supplements from the brand VidaSlim are included in the Dec. 13 recall:
- VidaSlim 90-day Original Root
- VidaSlim 90-day Root Capsules
- VidaSlim 90-day Root Plus
- VidaSlim 30-day Original Root
- VidaSlim 30-day Root Capsules
- VidaSlim 30-day Root Plus
- VidaSlim Hot Body Brew (in peach and strawberry flavors)
- VidaSlim 7-day Sample Pouches for Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules
Though the recalled products are no longer available on VidaSlim's website, it appears that they were marketed as weight-loss supplements and also sold through independent distributors.
All affected supplements have expiration dates between 12/24 (December 2024) and 12/25 (December 2025) and should not be consumed. At this time, there have been no reports of illness related to the recall.
This isn't the first time the FDA has recalled supplements due to yellow oleander. In Sept. 2023, another weight-loss supplement was pulled after the ingredient was found. Then, in Jan. 2024, the agency put out a list of more than 20 products potentially containing the toxic ingredient, which it has been updating since.
"FDA analysis has determined that certain products labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed are adulterated because they were tested and found to be substituted with yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America and a toxic substance of concern to public health officials," the FDA explains. "In other words, the tested products that were labeled as tejocote or Brazil seed are actually toxic yellow oleander."
RELATED: Prenatal Vitamins "Contain Harmful Levels of Toxic Metals," New Study Finds.
An arthritis supplement was recalled over "undeclared furosemide, dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine."
FDA
Finally, the FDA issued another recall on Dec. 13, this time for an arthritis supplement that was found to contain "undeclared Furosemide, Dexamethasone and Chlorpheniramine," which "cannot be marketed as dietary supplements."
Buy-herbal.com voluntarily recalled the product, Nhan Sam Tuyet Lien Truy Phong Hoan Capsules, and is asking consumers to discontinue use immediately. They were sold in bottles with red and yellow labels, containing 30 capsules each, and were marketed to treat lumbago gout, arthrodynia, myasthenia, limb numbness, pain induced by acclimation fever and rheumatism, osteocope, and arthritis.
At this time, there have been no reports of adverse effects related to the recall.
As the FDA explains, inadvertent consumption of the antihistamine chlorpheniramine "could lead to a higher than intended dose, which could potentially cause overexcitement, loss of coordination, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and seizures."
"Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions," the FDA says. "Corticosteroid use can impair a person’s ability to fight infections and can cause high blood sugar levels, muscle injuries and psychiatric problems. When corticosteroids are taken for a prolonged period, or at high doses, they can suppress the adrenal gland. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the undeclared dexamethasone may cause serious side effects when combined with other medications."
And consuming furosemide—a "potent diuretic" used to treat congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and edema—"can cause dizziness, sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position, hearing loss, kidney damage, and profound dehydration and electrolyte imbalance." Additionally, those allergic to sulfonamides may also be allergic to furosemide.
What to do if you have any of these supplements:
As mentioned, if you believe you have any of these recalled supplements, do not take them. You can refer to the individual recall notices for information on returning the product and/or receiving a refund.
You can also report any adverse reactions or quality problems related to the recalled products to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
