The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration advised users against using Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen, a weight loss and body re-shaping product, because it contains a harmful ingredient.
After testing multiple Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen products from various distributors in the United States, FDA officials found that presence of at least one potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredient that is not listed on the product's label. Researchers found that even though all the products claimed that they were "genuine" and ""anti-counterfeit," they all contained either one or two harmful ingredients.
"Products that contain hidden drugs pose a real danger to consumers," said Carol Bennett, acting director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a statement. "This is especially true when the products have names that mislead consumers into believing they are safe and natural."
One of the harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients found in the tested products was Phenolphthalein, a chemical which is not present in any other drugs approved in the United States because it can cause cancer.
The other ingredient was Sibutramine. The substance increases blood pressure and pulse rate. It can also increase death risks in people having a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. The substance was removed from the market in October 2010.
Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen is marketed as a product for weight loss and body reshaping. It is manufactured by Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in Guangdong Province. It can be bought on the Internet, in retail stores and spas.
The FDA has already received several reports of the product having adverse effects on health including serious cardiac issues, palpitations, tachycardia (increased heart rate), suicidal thoughts, chest pain, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, increased blood pressure and seizure.
The Administration recommends that people taking these weight loss capsules and experiencing any such side effects should immediately seek medical help.
