The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Bethel Nutritional Consulting this week recalled the company’s “Quick Thin” and “Bethel Advance” products. The recall was issued due to the FDA finding banned substances inside the capsules.
FDA tests on the products found that they contaned the substances Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein. Sibutramine has been linked to an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate for some patients, as well as a risk of life-threatening interactions with other medications. It was removed from the U.S. market in 2010 due to safety concerns for patients with heart issues. According to the FDA, Phenolphthalein has also been linked to health risks such as irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, cancer, and “serious gastrointestinal disturbances.”
Bethel’s “Bethel 30” product was recalled back in June over tests that found these same substances. Bethel 30 was labeled as having no side effects and no diet restrictions. For all three of these products, the FDA is urging consumers not to consume them, and to call Bethel customer service. The products have been removed from Bethel’s online store. None of the products have ever been approved by the FDA as drugs.
Bethel Nutritional Consulting markets a variety of “herbal” and homeopathic products. The products include those marketed for weight loss, “detox,” prostate health, cholesterol, and “sexual potency.”
The FDA just last month warned manufacturers of “natural” and homeopathic products that claim to treat diabetes that their products are illegal. Consumers were also warned that such products can be dangerous or cause them to mismanage their diabetes.