The food ingredient can harm pregnant women, warns the FDA

Product labels may refer to vinpocetine as "minor vinca extract", "periwinkle extract" or "common periwinkle extract".

Regardless of its name, this supplement could harm pregnant women, according to a report from the National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health.

Vinpocetine decreased the fetal weight and increased the chances of miscarriage in the test animals, according to the report. Blood levels measured in pregnant animals were similar to those reported in individuals taking a single dose of vinpocetine, indicating that pregnant women may experience similar adverse effects to those seen in pregnant animals. Toxicological tests have also shown that in a large number of products, the actual content of vinpocetine was different from that indicated on the label. this may result in higher doses than recommended.

All of these findings are "worrisome because vinpocetine-containing products are widely available to women of childbearing age," said Deputy Director General Dr. Amy Abernethy and the Deputy Commissioner of Policy and Policy. Frank Yiannas, in their warning. Women's.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are "responsible for badessing the safety and labeling of their products before they are marketed" to ensure that they are safe and effective. they meet all federal requirements, according to the agency's website. "The FDA is responsible for taking action against any adulterated or mislabelled dietary supplement product after it comes onto the market." This means that the FDA has not reviewed each vinpocetine food supplement or its labeling before the product is available to consumers.

Along with a warning for pregnant women, the FDA also recommends that manufacturers evaluate the labeling of their vinpocetine supplements "to ensure safety warnings against their use by pregnant women and women likely to become pregnant", said the FDA.

According to the agency, more than half of Americans take at least one dietary supplement on a regular basis. Earlier this year, the FDA announced new efforts to strengthen the regulation of dietary supplements, including the introduction of a new tool, the advisory list of dietary supplement ingredients, to alert the public faster. illicit ingredients. To ensure your safety and that of your family, check this list of tips before buying dietary supplements.