Deadly Deception: Toxic Herb Found in Popular Weight-Loss Supplements
A worrying health alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded to include 25 dietary supplements containing a poisonous plant instead of the advertised traditional remedy. The list’s latest additions, New Me and VidaSlim, join a growing number of supplements falsely advertised as containing tejocote root, an ingredient traditionally used for digestive issues, weight loss, and inflammation.
Testing by the FDA revealed a shocking truth: these products actually contain yellow oleander ( Thevetia peruviana), a plant incredibly toxic to humans and potentially fatal if ingested. "We are concerned that products containing toxic yellow oleander remain on the marketplace,” stated the FDA in its recent safety alert.
Yellow oleander can wreak havoc on the body, causing serious health problems affecting the brain, nerves, cardiovascular system, and digestive tract. The FDA has received reports of people falling ill after taking the adulterated supplements, including a severe incident involving ELV Control Herbal Supplement Capsules by Green ELV Nutrition.
While ten companies have responded to the alert by recalling their products, others remain unresponsive or unreachable. This inaction leaves potentially deadly supplements circulating in homes across the country.
"Those who might have these supplements in their homes should stop using them and dispose of them immediately," urged the FDA. "If you have taken these products, contact your healthcare provider immediately, regardless of when you may have taken them, so you can be evaluated."
The FDA emphasizes the seriousness of the situation: "Serious side effects may occur after ingesting these products; call 911 if you believe this may be happening to you or someone in your care."
Further advice and support can be sought from state poison control centers.
This alarming situation isn’t an isolated incident. A harrowing case in September 2022 brought the issue to light when a toddler was hospitalized after consuming their mother’s Eva Nutrition Mexican Tejocote Root supplements. The child suffered nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, a slowed heart rate, and other severe heart problems, ultimately requiring medical intervention for recovery.
Following this case and subsequent investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which identified several tejocote products contaminated with yellow oleander, the FDA launched its own intensive investigation, leading to the progressively expanding safety alert.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder for consumers to be vigilant about the source and authenticity of their supplements. The FDA encourages anyone with health concerns related to supplements to contact them directly via email at FDA@newsweek.com.
