FDA warns against ‘microdosing’ with mushroom chocolates due to heart issues, other health risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning Americans not to “eat, sell or serve” mushroom-laced chocolates sold by Diamond Shruumz. Sickness and hospitalizations after eating these products have been reported in multiple states. Common symptoms include abnormal heart rates, seizures, central nervous system depression, agitation, hypertension, hypotension, nausea and vomiting.

These chocolate bars, cones and gummies, marketed as a “leading form of microdosing,” are sold throughout the United States in smoke/vape shops and other retailers that sell products containing CBD and other hemp-related substances.

According to a new advisory from the FDA, Centers for Disease control and Prevention and America’s Poison Centers, a total of 12 illnesses have been reported in eight different states: Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Ten of those patients were hospitalized due to their symptoms.

“This product may appeal to children and teenagers as it is marketed as a candy,” the FDA said in its safety warning. “Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to avoid this product being consumed by younger people.”Diamond Shruumz mushroom chocolates microdosing

Various Diamond Shruumz products.

“This product may appeal to children and teenagers as it is marketed as a candy,” the federal agency said in its warning. “Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to avoid this product being consumed by younger people.”

Diamond Shruumz claims microdosing can help “enhance cognitive function,” “improve emotional well-being,” “boost immune health” and “improve physical health.”

“Delve into the world of microdosing by starting with two of our enticing gummies or chocolate squares,” according to the company’s website. “This modest yet effective dosage is crafted to provide a subtle yet noticeable elevation in energy levels, accompanied by a touch of natural stress relief.”

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.