[ad_1]
The FDA warns that the herb used in weight loss and memory supplements is related to miscarriages and congenital malformations
- Vinpocetine is an artificial chemical derived from periwinkle and used in various over-the-counter dietary supplements sold in American vitamin stores.
- New animal studies have associated with miscarriage and low birth weight
- It has already been associated with low blood pressure and headaches
- In China, Russia and Germany, it is a controlled ingredient used in prescriptions
US health officials warn that herbal supplements promoted to boost memory and lose weight can lead to miscarriages and birth defects.
Vinpocetine is an artificial chemical product derived from periwinkle and used in various over-the-counter dietary supplements sold in vitamin stores, such as GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe.
But new animal studies have shown that even small doses of this plant are associated with lower birth weight and miscarriage.
In a statement released Monday, the FDA urged pregnant women or those considering having children to avoid the ingredient.
Vinpocetine is an artificial chemical derived from periwinkle, sold as a prescription substance in China and Germany, but allowed in unregulated supplements in the United States.
"These results are of particular concern because products containing vinpocetine are widely available to women of childbearing age," said a spokesperson.
"That's why today, we advise pregnant women and women likely to become pregnant not to take vinpocetine."
Vinpocetine has fallen into a gray area of regulated regulation in certain markets (China, Germany, Russia) as a prescription product to treat cognitive problems after a stroke.
But it is allowed by others (including the US) to be treated as a low-risk herbal dish.
Crucially, the FDA has not yet reached a verdict on the issue, for the moment, by allowing the ingredient on the tablets.
In October 2015, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill called for an investigation into vinpocetine, among other ingredients touted as brain stimulants.
This study was conducted after a study in the journal Wiley, which analyzed 23 dietary supplements at GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe, revealed high levels of vinpocetine in 17 of the products.
For example, Chinese prescriptions are limited to 40 mg. Some of the supplements studied in this research contained 32 mg vinpocetine.
In the new statement, the FDA swears to start cracking down.
"Today's safety warning is just one of many steps the FDA is taking to adapt to the changing realities of the dietary supplement industry," the statement said.
"Protecting the public against dangerous food supplements remains a top priority for the FDA."
[ad_2]
Source link