FDA Warns of Dangerously High Selenium Levels in Total Body Formula

In an April press release, the FDA issued a consumer alerts after high levels of selenium were found in some Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula products. The products are flavored dietary supplements by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta. The FDA warns that consumers should not use the Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar ( the Total Body Formula) or the Orange/Tangerine flavor (the Total Body Mega Formula) due to the unsafe selenium levels.

Just how unsafe were the selenium levels?

When FDA labs analyzed samples of Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula, they found that they contained, per serving, 40,800 micrograms. This was significantly higher than what was listed on the label--200 micrograms.

Selenium is an antioxidant and can be beneficial in small amounts, but the recommended daily allowance is only 50- 70 micrograms for healthy adults. Most adults in the United States have a diet adequate in selenium. Deficiency is uncommon in the U.S. because the mineral is present in the soil and, therefore, in many foods. Selenium is found in foods such as tuna, turkey, egg, Brazil nuts, Walnuts, and enriched breads.

Supplemental selenium is indicated for anyone showing a selenium deficiency due to poor diet or certain illnesses that keep selenium from being absorbed properly into the body from foods. Research on possible benefits of selenium for prevention or treatment of diseases such as cancer and heart disease are being conducted but it remains undetermined whether or not selenium can help treat or prevent these diseases.

It is well-known, however, that too much selenium, can cause pain, cramps, hair loss, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and even mild damage to nerves. According to The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, adults should consume no more than 400 micrograms of selenium per day in order to avoid selenium toxicity. It should be noted that since selenium is found in foods as well as supplements, it would be easy to consume much more than 400 micrograms without being aware one is doing so.

The amounts found in samples of Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula, greatly exceeded the recommended upper level of selenium. The FDA has so far received at least 43 reports from 9 states regarding possible selenium toxicity after consumers used the dietary formulas.

Sources:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01818.html
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/selenium.asp

By: Korey M.
Published: 04/20/08