UAE bans two ‘health risk’ supplements after FDA intervention

Two supplements have been banned from sale by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention after receiving advice from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Officials said the supplements, for weight loss and male sex enhancement, contained undeclared drugs and could pose a health risk.

''These products, which were promoted for reducing weight and improving sexual stamina, contain undeclared and unregistered drug ingredients that may be harmful to health and well-being of patients suffering from cardiac disorders and diabetes or those taking products that contain nitrates,'' said ministry official Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri,

He urged people not to fall for 'misleading' social media adverts and messages about the two products - Stiff Bull Herbal Coffee and Zi Su Body Fat Health.

Al Amiri revealed that the Ministry had received a notification from the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, about Stiff Bull Herbal Coffee, which contains hidden drug ingredients.

The FDA said it contained desmethyl carbodenafil, which can interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerine and could cause dangerously low blood pressure.

Meanwhile Zi Su Body Fat Health was found to contain sibutramine and phenolphthalein.

Sibutramine can increase blood pressure and pulse rate and could be highly dangerous for people with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke, said officials.