Toxic Levels of Selenium in Dietary Supplements
The US Food and Drug Administration and Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc, have recalled approximately 1000 bottles of diet supplements “Total Body Formula” and “Total Body Mega Formula.”
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing has found hazardous levels of selenium, up to 200 times greater than the amount stated on the label, in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors of “Total Body Formula” and Orange/Tangerine flavor of “Total Body Mega Formula.” Testing also revealed elevated levels of chromium in the supplements, up to 17 times greater than the amount stated on the label. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with state health departments to identify cases of selenium toxicity associated with the supplements. Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc, has voluntarily recalled the affected products.
CDC urges consumers to throw away all bottles of Total Body Formula Tropical Orange with lot numbers 4016801, 4024801 and 4031801; Total Body Formula Peach Nectar with lot numbers 4016802 and 4031802; and Total Body Mega Formula Orange/Tangerine with lot number 4031803.
The company distributed supplements to Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, and sold them directly over the Internet. Ten of these states have reported cases of selenium toxicity.
The human body requires selenium in small amounts, but ingestion of large amounts of selenium or selenium-containing products can be harmful. Symptoms of selenium toxicity vary among individuals and are dependent on a number of factors such as the dose, type and form of selenium ingested, and the length of time the product was used. Symptoms of selenium poisoning can include significant hair loss, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, fingernail changes, and blistering skin. Patients have reported that symptoms typically occur within 5 to 10 days after daily ingestion of these supplements begins. After discontinuing use of the product, the symptoms of selenium toxicity may last for several weeks, but should improve eventually without treatment for the poisoning. There is no proven antidote for selenium poisoning.
The supplements are considered less likely to cause chromium toxicity because the chromium levels in the supplements are not as elevated. Symptoms of chromium toxicity depend on the dose, type and form of chromium ingested; the length of time the product was used; and other factors. The symptoms can include flushing, rash, dizziness, headache, agitation, confusion, chest pain, gastrointestinal disorders, elevated liver enzymes, muscle breakdown, blood cell problems, and kidney problems. There is no proven antidote for chromium toxicity.
CDC advises consumers who have been taking the products and have experienced symptoms should consult a health care professional. Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report these symptoms to their local Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or their Department of Health.
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- Page last updated April 17, 2008
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