A new report released by Consumer Reports revealed that many dietary supplements, especially supplements claiming to enhance male sexual performance, are laced with prescription drugs like tadalafil and sildenafil, both active ingredients in prescription drugs Viagra and Cialis.
The report mentioned a sexual enhancement supplement called “Mojo Nights”, manufactured by Evol Nutrition Associates, Inc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested samples of the so-called “all natural” supplement discovered that it contained the aforementioned main ingredients used in Viagra and Cialis. The FDA warned another manufacturer of a different “natural” supplement about the synthetic chemical ingredients found in the product.
These altered supplements can cause some of the same side effects and potential health problems as prescription drugs. To make matters worse, the labels of prescription drugs like Viagra and Cialis indicate which drugs to avoid if you take those supplements. But with these altered “natural” supplement, a consumer may unknowingly take the supplement and taking another drug under the false belief that the “natural” supplement is safe to take with other drugs.
In addition to having extremely powerful synthetic ingredients that could cause adverse side effects, some supplements are making improper claims. For example, a supplement is promoted as capable of “[stopping] pre-mature ejaculations.” This claim goes beyond what is allowed by law for dietary supplements. Current regulations require that a supplement can’t claim to directly affect the structure or function of a body part, according to the report.
Since 2008, over 400 so-called “natural” products have been recalled. The majority of these products have been marketed for bodybuilding, weight loss and sexual enhancement.
So what does this all mean? Well, it means you have to be extremely skeptical if a supplement is marketed as “all natural.” You should also be cautious if you are planning to take a sexual enhancement supplement
If you or a loved one suffered an adverse side effect from a so-called “natural” supplement, take a moment to review this page, then contact our office to set up a confidential consultation.