U.S. FDA renews warning about dietary supplements

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- U.S. health officials on Tuesday again warned consumers not to take products marketed as dietary supplements that contain a dangerous thyroid hormone.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said products containing tiratricol, also known as triiodothyroacetic acid or TRIAC, may still be reaching consumers despite four recalls.

The products were distributed mainly through health food stores and gyms and promoted as weight-loss aids. Some also were sold over the Internet.

Tiratricol has been linked to heart attacks, strokes and other serious health problems, the FDA said in a statement.

"FDA urges all consumers to stop using such products immediately," the statement said.

People who took the products should consult a doctor if they experience any side effects, which might include insomnia, nervousness, sweating and diarrhea, the FDA said.

Products that have been recalled include Triax Metabolic Accelerator, Tricana Metabolic Hormone Analog, Tria-Cutz Thyroid Stimulator and Sci-Fi-Tri-Cuts Dietary Supplement Capsules.

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