The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this week recalled Bethel Nutritional Consulting’s “herbal” weight loss supplements for actually containing drugs. The sort of drugs that could increase blood pressure or cause “serious gastrointestinal disturbances.” Now the FDA has recalled even more unapproved weight loss pills for containing undeclared ingredients.
The latest recall concerns a product called “Best Slim,” marketed by CTV Best Group. The company has recalled all products with that label after FDA tests found Sibutramine in the pills – one of the same substances found in the recall of Bethel’s products. Sibutramine was taken off the market in 2010 due to safety concerns. According to the FDA, the drug has been found to “substantially” increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people. This can pose a risk to those with heart disease or those at risk for heart failure or stroke.
CTV Best Group sold its Best Slim 40 pills in retail stores across the U.S. and on its website. The company’s Best Slim product is marketed on its website as being made from “100% herbal extracts.” The website associates the product with a variety of effects, including “advanced weight loss,” appetite suppression, an increase in energy, lower blood pressure, and lower “bad” cholesterol. The product is also promoted as having “no side effects, no diarrhea.”