The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Florida-based Todorganic is recalling its Nuez de la India Seeds, marketed as weight loss products, because they appear to be yellow oleander, a “highly toxic” plant known to contain cardiac glycosides.
“Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular adverse health effects that may be severe, or even fatal,” according to the FDA’s advisory. “Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia, and more.”
Cardiac glycosides are known for their strong impact on the human body, especially the heart. In fact, they are a class of medications that has been used to treat such cardiac conditions as heart failure, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter for decades.
However, it is easy to have too many cardiac glycosides in your system at one time. According to an in-depth report from Cleveland Clinic, “the amount of cardiac glycosides that can cause side effects isn’t much more than the amount that treats people.”
The FDA identified this issue when it started performing tests on the seeds due to growing concerns about their safety.
The Nuez de la India Seeds in question were distributed through Amazon, eBay and Walmart.
Nuez de la India Seeds have been recalled after testing by the FDA revealed they are, in fact, yellow oleander, a poisonous plant known to contain cardiac glycosides.
FDA’s previous warning about yellow oleander seeds being marketed as a weight loss product
On Aug. 18, the FDA issue an initial warning about this potential issue with certain Nuez de la India weight loss products. They have been marketed as “botanical food,” “slimming seeds” and “diet seeds” in the past. The FDA noted that they look quite similar to candlenut seeds, which are not toxic.
One person was hospitalized after consuming these seeds, according to the FDA.
“The FDA advises consumers who have taken any of these products of concern to contact their healthcare provider immediately,” the agency wrote. “Even if these products have not been used recently, consumers should still inform their healthcare provider about which product they took, so that an appropriate evaluation may be conducted.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.