Three flavors in the product line manufactured and distributed nationally by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta contain dangerously high amounts of the mineral selenium, as much as 200 times or more the amount listed on the products’ labels. The company has issued a voluntary recall and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the matter after receiving 43 reports of severe adverse reactions from nine states associated with the products.

The particular products in question are the Peach Nectar and Tropical Orange flavors of the Total Body Formula line and the Orange/Tangerine flavor of the Total Body Mega Formula. The adverse reactions reported, which are consistent with excessive levels of selenium, include fatigue, muscle cramps, joint pain, diarrhea, deformed fingernails, and significant hair loss. In the reports filed with the FDA, symptoms occurred five to 10 days after consuming the products.

Although the products are distributed nationwide, reactions have been reported in only nine states thus far - Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas.

The FDA issued a warning on March 27 urging consumers to refrain from purchasing these products when reports were received from Tennessee and Florida. Consumers who have these products in their home are advised to place them in garbage receptacles outside the home. Total Body Formula is marketed in 8-ounce and 32-ounce plastic bottles. Total Body Mega Formula is sold in the 32-ounce size only.

Selenium is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water and is thought to support the immune system. Most people get adequate amounts of it by eating a typical diet.

The products recalled contained as much as 40,800 micrograms (mcg) per serving although their labels indicate just 200 mcg per serving.

Anyone consuming these products should report any adverse reactions to the FDA and seek medical attention if adverse reactions develop.

Source: FDA