It's illegal: Invima warned and banned vitamin supplements that are very dangerous.

The National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance ( Invima ) has issued a national health alert due to the illegal marketing of several products promoted as dietary supplements , which do not have health registration or authorization in Colombia. Why are they illegal, and what is the danger for consumers?

Among the targeted products are Multivitamin (Mary Ruth's brand), Resveratrol 1000mg (Mountain Valley brand), NAD+ Resveratrol (Herbalic brand), and Tongkat Ali (Mountain Valley brand) . According to the agency, none of them have public health authorization, and their distribution poses a risk to public health.

"These products do not have any health registration issued by the competent authority. Therefore, their sale in Colombia is illegal. It is important to note that the aforementioned products do not correspond to any product authorized by the Directorate of Medicines and Biological Products of Invima," the statement said.

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They added: "These products are advertised as dietary supplements, but after conducting internal inspections, Invima (National Institute of Food and Drug Administration) determines that they do not meet the labeling and advertising specifications established in current regulations." Health risks and Invima warnings

Invima was emphatic in pointing out that these products can cause serious adverse effects. According to the official statement, some of the risks associated with taking these supplements include:

- Palpitations, heart disease, anxiety, and tremors.- Sleep disorders such as insomnia and nightmares.- Edema or fluid retention.

- Damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver.

Furthermore, it is noted that these products are fraudulent, as they lack health registration, meaning they have not been evaluated for quality, efficacy, or safety. Furthermore, they are sold through unregulated social media, WhatsApp chains, and web platforms, which exacerbates the problem.

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What to do if you have consumed these products

Invima requests that citizens:

- Stop consuming these products immediately.

- Report any adverse effects through the official portal: https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/co/medicamentos - Notify Invima of the places where these products are sold via email: [email protected]. "These products offer no guarantee of safety. Their consumption can seriously compromise the health of those who ingest them," reiterates the health entity.

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Recommendations for authorities, professionals and businesses

Invima also made specific recommendations to:

- Health Ministries: conduct inspections and destroy products if they are in circulation.

- IPS and health professionals : alert patients and report suspected cases.

- Commercial establishments : refrain from selling them, under risk of sanctions due to health measures.

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