Health Officials Issue Caution Over Heavy Metal Poisoning Risk - myMotherLode.com
A bottle of Rheumacare was found to contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals, prompting an important warning from health authorities.
Sonora, CA — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about heavy metal poisoning linked to certain unapproved Ayurvedic drug products. Tuolumne County Public Health is echoing this warning and highlighting potential risks associated with Ayurvedic remedies, a traditional system of healing that originated in India. These products may include a mix of spices, herbs, vitamins, proteins, and minerals, and may also contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, iron, and zinc. Often, these metals are not disclosed on product labels.
The FDA alert followed laboratory testing of Rheumacare Ayurvedic Proprietary Medicine from NavaFresh.com (http://navafresh.com/). Tests detected elevated levels of lead and mercury, along with toxins including strychnine and brucine, and arsenic.
The agency advises consumers not to use Rheumacare. If you own this product, dispose of it safely. FDA testing was prompted by a consumer report describing unusually high blood lead levels after using the product.
For more information and to review poisoning symptoms, visit the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fraudulent-products/fda-warns-about-heavy-metal-poisoning-associated-certain-unapproved-ayurvedic-drug-products and consider contacting the Tuolumne County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 209-533-7401.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Ayurvedic traditions have deep cultural roots and many people use these products without incident, the presence of heavy metals and unverified labeling raises serious safety concerns that warrant cautious use and stricter quality checks. Do you think regulatory oversight should be tightened further for all traditional medicines sold online or in stores? Share your perspective in the comments.
