Update on selenium overdose from dietary supplements

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By MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer

ATLANTA - Health officials are investigating more than 180 reports of

illness in people who took dietary supplements containing toxic levels

of the mineral selenium.

Last month, federal officials warned consumers about harmful doses of

selenium — a mineral considered healthful in small amounts — in plastic

bottles of liquid Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula.

The manufacturer recalled the product March 27, but reports of 184

illnesses indicate many people are still taking it, health officials said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found up to 200 times the label

level of selenium in the products. The agency also found 17 times the

label level of chromium but has not yet concluded if those levels are toxic.

Toxic levels of the minerals were in about 1,200 bottles distributed in

16 states and over the Internet, said Dr. Lando, who is leading

the team working on the investigation at the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention.

Health officials are looking into an escalating number of illnesses in

10 states — Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana,

Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina.

No deaths have been reported. One person has been hospitalized.

Reported symptoms include hair loss, discolored and painful fingernails,

muscle cramps, joint pain, diarrhea and fatigue. Victims have grown ill

five to 10 days after beginning to take affected products. Death is

possible but unlikely, health officials said.

The products are distributed by Total Body Essential Nutrition Inc. of

Woodstock, Ga. The company did not return a message Friday from The

Associated Press.

--

Ortiz, RD

" Be careful of reading health books

You may die from a misprint "