Home / Health / FDA Warns: 'Weight Loss' Pills Contain Deadly Toxin
FDA Warns: 'Weight Loss' Pills Contain Deadly Toxin
17 Mar
Summary
- Supplements labeled as tejocote root falsely contain poisonous yellow oleander.
- The toxic substance can cause severe neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiac issues.
- The FDA identified over two dozen tainted products sold on major online platforms.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its alert concerning weight loss supplements containing a dangerous neurotoxin. An investigation dating back to 2023 revealed that certain products marketed as tejocote root actually contain yellow oleander, a poisonous plant. This toxic substance has been linked to serious neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues, and even fatalities.
The FDA has identified over two dozen products featuring yellow oleander, which are being sold on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. While some retailers have agreed to recall the tainted items, the agency is urging consumers to be vigilant. The latest product added to the warning list is Chupa Panza.
Tejocote root, traditionally used for respiratory and digestive health, is falsely represented in these supplements, which claim weight loss benefits without scientific support. Yellow oleander, however, is known to induce severe symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac abnormalities. The FDA advises anyone who has consumed these products to contact a healthcare provider immediately and to dispose of any remaining suspect supplements.
