Dietary supplements recalled after poisoning reported

The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a warning to consumers not to drink two dietary supplements that is being investigated in connection with more than 100 cases of acute poisoning nationwide, including some in Pennsylvania.

The products — the eight- and 32-ounce bottles of "Total Body Formula" in tropical orange and peach nectar flavors and the 32-ounce bottle of "Total Body Mega Formula" in orange/tangerine, have been voluntarily recalled by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Food and Drug Administration are investigating. The FDA analyzed the product, according to the state Department of Health, and found extremely high levels of selenium — up to 40,800 micrograms per serving, more than 200 times the amount indicated on the labels.

According to the health department, people who consume the product may develop adverse reactions that include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and joint pain and fatigue five to 10 days after using the product. The symptoms can be followed by hair loss, nail brittleness and neurological abnormalities, such as numbness in hands, feet or limbs, as well as kidney and liver dysfunction.

The products were distributed to retailers or sold via direct mail order to stores and customers in at least 15 states, including Pennsylvania, the health department reports.

Consumers should stop using the products immediately and discard the bottles in a trash receptacle. Any consumers who experience adverse reactions sould contact their health care professional or local poison control center.

For more information, call the FDA's toll-free food safety hotline at (888) SAFEFOOD. All suspect cases of selenium poisoning should be reported to county or state health departments, or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH.