Supplementing the Herbal Supplements

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Notice anything unusual, i.e. effective, about those weight-loss and sex supplements?

By Tami Dennis, Los Angeles Times

July 22, 2010

 
 Here are two recalls that might not have consumers rushing to get their money back. One is for a weight-loss supplement, the other for a sex enhancer.

The Food and Drug Administration announced today that a lab analysis of Joyful Slim Herb Supplement was found to contain desmethyl sibutramine. Most people know sibutramine as Meridia, a prescription weight-loss drug.

This month, the agency similarly announced that some batches of Good Health's Vialipro had been found to contain sulfoaildenafil, a cousin of sildenafil. Most people know that drug as Viagra.

The ingredients weren't declared on the supplements' labels and can cause a variety of potential problems. Sibutramine can increase blood pressure and may raise stroke risk; sulfoaildenafil can interact with prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin.

Tinkering with the ingredient list might be one way to counter criticism that many supplements are ineffective. Nonetheless, the FDA is far from pleased.


http://www.latimes.com/news/health/boostershots/la-heb-fda-recalls-20100722,0,7892016.story
 
 

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