Tennessean Affected by Product Under Recall

Three residents of Tennessee have been sickened by a dietary supplement that is currently being voluntarily recalled by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta, the sole distributor of the products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the State Department of Health are urging Tennesseans not to purchase or consume the products “Total Body Formula” and “Total Body Mega Formula” in the flavors of Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, or “Total Body Mega Formula” in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. These products are manufactured by TexAmerican Food Blending, Inc., of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

FDA laboratories are analyzing samples of the products to verify that the reactions are due to increased levels of selenium, which is known to cause symptoms including significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, and occasionally more severe neurologic symptoms such as loss of feeling in arms and legs. Selenium, a trace mineral, is needed only in small amounts for good health.

Tennessee residents made sick by the products reside in the eastern part of the state and reported serious reactions within three to 10 days after ingestion. In all cases, the reactions included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue.

In addition to discontinuing use of the products immediately, people should discard the products by placing them in a trash receptacle outside of the home. Consumers who have been taking the products and have experienced adverse reactions should consult their health care provider regarding treatment for certain signs of illness, such as diarrhea or neurologic symptoms. Symptoms go away slowly on their own after discontinuing use of the product without specific treatment, and testing is generally not necessary.

In addition to Tennessee, the products have been distributed in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

For advice regarding selenium toxicity, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For more information about the product recall, go to Department of Health Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/selenium.htm or visit the FDA Web site at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01812.html.  General information on selenium is available on the CDC Web site at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts92.html.