Severe hepatotoxicity following ingestion of Herbalife((R)) nutritional supplements contaminated with Bacillus subtilis.

[Guest guest]

Nutritional supplements are widely used. Recently, liver injury after consumption of Herbalife(®) preparations was reported but the underlying

pathogenesis remained cryptic. METHODS: Two patients

presented with cholestatic hepatitis and pruritus, and cirrhosis, respectively. Viral, alcoholic, metabolic, autoimmune, neoplastic, vascular liver diseases and synthetic drugs as

the precipitating causes of liver injury were excluded. However,

both patients reported long-term consumption of Herbalife(®)

products. All Herbalife(®)

products were tested for contamination with drugs, pesticides, heavy metals,

and softeners, and examined for microbial contamination according to standard

laboratory procedures. Bacteria isolated from the

samples were identified as Bacillus subtilis by

sequencing the 16S rRNA and gyrB

genes. RESULTS………..

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19010564

Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight - Whatever it

Takes!

Son Ken (34) UC 91 PSC 99, LTX 6/21 & 6/30 2007

@ Baylor/Dallas