The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use NATUREAL, and Ultimate Herbal Slimcap, products promoted and sold for weight loss.
Images: FDA
FDA said in its announcement on Thursday that laboratory analysis confirmed that NATUREAL and Ultimate Herbal Slimcap contain sibutramine. FDA explains that sibutramine is a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons. As explained by the American health body, the product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking, FDA has said.
FDA notes that said products are promoted and sold for weight loss either on various websites, either some stores. Ultimate Herbal Slimcap was also identified by FDA during an examination of international mail shipments.
Note from FDA: This notification is to inform the public of a growing trend of dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories.