FDA: Purity First Recalls Products Due To Undeclared Steroids

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Purity First Health Products has recalled several of its Healthy Life Chemistry products.

These include two lots of Healthy Life Chemistry B-50 (100 capsules), one lot of Healthy Life Chemistry Multi-Mineral (200 capsules), and all lots of Healthy Life Chemistry Vitamin C (200 capsules). The products are marketed as dietary supplements and come in white plastic bottles.

The recall was issued after the B-50 capsules were found to contain the controlled substance methasterone and dimethazine, which are both potentially harmful steroids. The Multi-Mineral and Vitamin C capsules were found to contain dimethyltestosterone. These ingredients were undeclared and were not included on the product labels.

All of the products were available nationwide through retail and the internet, and through retail stores from July 2012 to June 2013.

The FDA has received reports of side effects associated with the use of Healthy Life Chemistry B-50, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and muscle pain, as well as changes in cholesterol levels and in liver and thyroid function. Some women reported unusual hair growth and missed periods, while some men reported impotence and low testosterone levels.

Warning signs that may be associated with the use of steroids or steroid-like substances may include blood clots, sudden blockage in the lung artery, liver or kidney problems, and stroke. The FDA advises consumers who experience symptoms to consult a health care professional and to submit a report to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

References

1. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine.
   
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). www.fda.gov