Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention has ordered the withdrawal of certain dietary supplements being promoted for weight loss, headache and male sex enhancement from the market as they endanger the lives of patients.
In three circulars issued by the ministry, the public has been warned against the use of some dietary supplements and fake herbal products being promoted for easing headache, reducing weight and improving male sexual performance.
Such products are not registered at the ministry, an official said on Saturday.
“The ministry’s move comes in response to a notification sent by the Food and Drug Administration (FAD) warning against the use of Life rising/ Ton shen health product, Side head regulator TT, which is being promoted for as a herbal product for killing headaches.
“The laboratory tests came to the conclusion that using such products for those under the age of 18 could probably cause a rising in their lead levels which might result in lead poisoning that damages the nervous system and internal organs.” said Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Policy and Licensing at the Ministry of Health and Prevention and chairman of the Higher Pharmaceutical Vigilance Committee.
Highlighting that children are the most vulnerable to lead poisoning, Al Amiri mentioned the most common symptoms of lead poisoning which are muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and blood in the urine.
The circular also warned the public against Ultimate body tox, which is being promoted as a herbal product for weight loss. Lab tests detected an undeclared substance called Sibutramine which causes hypertension and/or rapid heartbeat for some patients who suffer from heart disease, or arrhythmia.
The circular included another warning against the drug Vimax, which is also being promoted as a male sexual enhancer but lab tests revealed that such a drug contains an undeclared substance Tadalafil which causes a sharp drop in blood pressure, endangering the lives of those suffering from heart disease, diabetes and lipid disorders.
Al Amiri called on the public to be aware of and not be deceived by advertisements placed on some websites outside the country or on social media. platform.
