Health Canada Warns Some Ayurvedic Medicinal Products Contain High Levels of Heavy Metals

June 14, 2006

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use four unapproved Ayurvedic medicinal products from India because they contain high levels of lead and/or mercury. Consumption of excessive amounts of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, pose serious health risks because they may accumulate in vital organs of the body. Children are most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals.

The following Ayurvedic medicinal products were found by Singapore's Health Science Authority to contain high levels of lead and/or mercury:

• Annai Aravindh Herbals Rheuma-7 Capsules, produced by Annai Aravindh Herbals, India;
• Himalaya Diabecon Tablets, produced by The Himalaya Drug Company, India;
• Laurel's Diabecs Capsules, produced by Laurel Herbal Products, India; and
• Goodcare Diabet Guard Granules, produced by Goodcare Pharma Pvt. Ltd, India.

Ayurvedic medicinal products are used in traditional Indian healing practice and are often imported from India. According to the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, heavy metals may be used in a detoxified state in these medicinal products because of their reputed therapeutic properties. However, improper manufacturing processes may result in dangerously high levels of heavy metals in the final product.

The toxic effects of lead may cause abdominal pain, anemia, changes in blood pressure, reproductive effects, weakness, concentration problems, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, kidney and brain damage, and ultimately death. The toxic effects of mercury may cause irritability, tremors, memory loss, insomnia, concentration problems, and can permanently damage the brain and kidneys.

None of the Ayurvedic medicinal products listed above are authorized for sale in Canada, nor have they been identified on the Canadian market. However, they may have been imported into Canada by travellers and at least two of these products are available for purchase over the internet.

Consumers should exercise caution when purchasing health products from outside Canada or over the Internet, as these products may not have undergone the same degree of assessment as those authorized for sale in Canada. Authorized health products will either bear an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN), or a Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). This authorization indicates that the product has been assessed by Health Canada for safety, efficacy and quality.

No adverse reactions associated with these four products have been reported to Health Canada. Consumers who have used any of these products and who are concerned about their health should contact a health care professional for advice. For more information about lead or mercury poisoning, contact the nearest poison control centre. Their number should be in the first pages of your local phone book.

Consumers who find any of these products on the Canadian market are asked to please contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact the Health Canada public inquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.