"Total Body Formula" Warning Issued
All dietary supplements should be used with caution.
by Kathy Pinkava, RN
April 18, 2008
The FDA released a warning that several types of the dietary supplements "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" have been found to contain hazardous levels of selenium (up to 200 times the label value) and chromium (up to 17 times the label value). This can of course lead to toxicity of these substances and serious illness. The whole alert can be read at the following link : Default Hyperlink Text
Dietary supplements do not received the same rigorous review and scrutiny that medications do from the FDA. It is illegal for a company to claim that their "dietary supplement" is designed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness. It is up to the manufacturer and consumer to have responsibility for checking the safety of these products and determining the truthfulness of label claims.
The FDA Fact Sheet on dietary supplements can be found at this link: Default Hyperlink Text
Many student athletes take dietary supplements that they feel will make them stronger and faster. Parents, keep an eye on these products and consult with your physician if you have questions about their safety.
