Complain about a product or service

FDA Finds Hazardous Levels of Chromium in 'Total Body Formula'

Agency reports 200 confirmed cases of adverse reactions

May 3, 2008

• Speed Up Your Metabolism --- • Florida Sues Acai Berry Product Distributor • Oprah Sues Acai Berry Promoters • Eating Healthy Costs More • Some Efforts To Control Eating May Backfire • Fewer Americans on Diets but More 'Eating Healthily' • FDA Finds Hazardous Levels of Chromium in 'Total Body Formula' • FDA Finds High Levels of Selenium in 'Total Body Formula' --- • More Weight Loss News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s final analysis of certain flavors of "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula” has detected hazardous amounts of chromium in the supplments, which are popular with body builders.

In April 2008, the FDA reported the dietary supplement products contained hazardous amounts of selenium in samples of "Total Body Formula" in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor.

Further FDA analysis of the products found high levels of chromium as well. The samples contained up to 3,426 micrograms of chromium for the recommended serving (17 times the recommended intake). The recommended chromium intake for an adult ranges from 35 to 45 micrograms per day.

Excessive consumption of chromium can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, renal failure and liver toxicity. Excessive chromium intake also can interfere with certain medications.

The new FDA finding comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of confirmed cases of adverse reactions in consumers using the products has climbed to at least 201 individuals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Consumers were first cautioned March 27, 2008 not to purchase and to discontinue the use of "Total Body Formula" in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor after receiving reports of adverse reactions.

The FDA continues to investigate how excessive amounts of selenium and chromium got into the products.

The sole distributor of the "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" products has voluntarily recalled the affected products.

Consumers who have been taking the products and have experienced adverse reactions should consult their health care professional. Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.