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According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an ingredient that is commonly found in weight loss and stimulating supplements to the brain can cause miscarriages and fetal developmental problems.
Recent studies show that taking vinpoecretin – at doses equivalent to human doses – results in weight loss to the baby and an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant animals.
"These results are of particular concern because products containing vinpocetine are widely available for use by women of childbearing age," the FDA said in a statement. "That's why today we advise pregnant women and women who may become pregnant not to take vinpocetine."
Vinpocetine is thought to stimulate energy, increase blood flow and improve memory and concentration, as well as the treatment of diseases and other health problems such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke and even menopause. On labels, we sometimes talk about vinca minor extract, periwinkle extract or periwinkle extract – but this is not natural.
Vinpocetine is a synthetic chemical derivative of an alkaloid extract of the vinca Vinca minor. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada have already banned supplements containing vinpocetine, while others have approved the synthetic substance only for prescription use; however, the drug has mostly flown under the radar of the FDA.
For example, a study published in Drug Testing and Analysis in 2015 found that the amount of vinpoketin in over-the-counter food supplements sold at retailers such as GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe varied widely, ranging from 0.3 mg at 32 mg – which could be several times a recommended dose.
Although the FDA announced in 2016 that the ingredient did not meet its criteria as a dietary supplement, the regulator was simply pushing the legislative process so that the drug would no longer be marketed as such. They also asked manufacturers to reclassify their products containing vinpocetine and to add warnings to pregnant women.
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