Total Body Formula Dietary Supplements Cause Adverse Reactions

April 2008

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about adverse reactions linked to Total Body Formula dietary supplements. The use of Total Body Formula in the flavors of Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar and Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange / Tangerine flavor may result in side effects such as significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, and fatigue.

Total Body Formula products are sold in eight-ounce and 32-ounce plastic bottles. Total Body Mega Formula is sold in 32-ounce plastic bottles. Both products are distributed by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta and were sold in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Virginia, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

The Florida Department of Health recently provided reports to the FDA on 23 individuals who experienced serious reactions to these products seven to 10 days after ingestion. In all cases, the reactions included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue. The FDA learned in its subsequent investigating report that individuals in Tennessee using the Total Body Formula products experienced similar reactions. A current investigation by the FDA will determine if these reactions are linked to an excessive amount of selenium, a claim put forth by Total Body Essential Nutrition.