Health officials have issued an urgent public health warning for more than two dozen dietary supplements after discovering they may contain poisonous ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning consumers against the use of 29 supplement brands that claim to include tejocote root or Brazil seed, ingredients often marketed for their high vitamin C and antioxidant properties with limited evidence supporting weight loss benefits.
Dangerous Substitution Uncovered
An FDA analysis has revealed that these supplements actually contain yellow oleander, a toxic plant native to Mexico and Central America, instead of the labeled ingredients. The agency has classified yellow oleander as a toxic substance of significant concern to public health, warning that ingestion can lead to severe or even fatal adverse effects.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The FDA has highlighted that yellow oleander may cause neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues. Potential symptoms include cardiac arrest, abdominal pain, confusion, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The plant's toxins can induce rapid, unhealthy weight loss by causing extreme gastrointestinal distress and suppressing appetite, which is why it is sometimes substituted in weight loss products.
Product Distribution and Recalls
The implicated supplements were sold through major online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, as well as on independent websites. The FDA has advised consumers to immediately stop using these products and dispose of them safely. While several companies have initiated recalls, others have removed listings or declined to issue recalls, complicating enforcement efforts.
Consumer Actions and Safety Measures
The FDA urges individuals who have taken any of these products to contact their healthcare provider promptly, even if use occurred some time ago, for an appropriate medical evaluation. In cases of serious side effects, consumers should call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Additionally, contacting state poison control centers is recommended for further guidance.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Concerns
The FDA's investigation began in September 2023 following a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report linking tejocote root products to yellow oleander contamination. The agency is continuing to identify and test suspect products and has expressed concern that other items marketed as tejocote root, under names like Crataegus mexicana or Mexican Hawthorn, may also contain this poisonous plant.
Yellow oleander seeds bear a resemblance to natural products such as candlenuts, which may contribute to accidental substitutions. The FDA emphasizes that consuming yellow oleander can result in severe adverse health effects and be potentially fatal, underscoring the importance of vigilance when purchasing dietary supplements online.
