FDA warns of lead in Vita Breath dietary supplement

The FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or consume Vita Breath, a dietary supplement from American Herbal Lab, because the product may contain hazardous levels of lead. The FDA was notified by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene about a patient with lead poisoning who reported taking Vita Breath and two other herbal products. The department analyzed a sample of Vita Breath and reported it contained 1,100 parts per million of lead. This level is more than 10,000 times higher than FDA’s maximum recommended level for lead in candy.

Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Individuals who have taken Vita Breath should talk to their healthcare providers about clinical testing to diagnose for lead poisoning.

For more information visit www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm210514.htm.