In an urgent health advisory, Australians are being warned to immediately cease using certain batches of popular vitamins and prenatal products due to concerns over incorrect levels of potassium iodine. The recall, which affects products from Bio Concepts, NRC Nutrition, and Naternal Vitamins, has been initiated in response to the discovery that some products may contain either insufficient or excessive amounts of this essential nutrient.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, has highlighted the potential risks associated with iodine toxicity. Mild symptoms can include gastrointestinal discomforts, such as diarrhoea, a burning sensation in the mouth, fever, nausea, and vomiting. However, in severe cases, the consequences can be far more serious, leading to swelling of the airways, cyanosis (a bluish discolouration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood), a weak pulse, or even coma.
Conversely, an iodine deficiency can also pose health risks, particularly for those who rely on these supplements for their nutritional needs. If you have been using these products based on healthcare advice, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare professional for guidance on alternative sources of iodine or other necessary adjustments to your regimen.
The affected products and batches include:
- Bio Concepts – Orthoplex MagGI Restore 300g. Batch: 42660. Expiry date January 2027.
- Bio Concepts – Orthoplex Pure Children’s Essentials 250g. Batch: 43268. Expiry date January 2027.
- NRC Nutrition – Preconception Multi for Women. Batch: 42469. Expiry date: January 2027.
- Naternal Vitamins – EverNatal 60 capsules. Batch: 43311. Expiry date: January 2027.
Bio Concepts has issued a statement to customers explaining that a manufacturing error led to non-uniform and potentially unsafe levels of iodine in their Orthoplex MagGI Restore 300g and Orthoplex Pure Children’s Essentials 250g products. They have assured customers that no other batches or sizes of these products are affected by the recall.
NRC Nutrition’s recall of their Preconception Multi for Women is due to an inconsistent blend of iodine, which could result in either a complete absence or an excess of the nutrient in the capsules. They have confirmed that no other batches or products are implicated.
Naternal Vitamins has also communicated to its customers, emphasising that its top priority is safety. They explained that the issue arose during manufacturing due to variability in raw ingredient handling. In response, their manufacturer has pledged to improve quality assurance protocols and implement more rigorous testing, particularly for microdosed nutrients like iodine.
Customers who have purchased any of the recalled batches are advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For those who may have concerns or questions, contact information for Bio Concepts, NRC, and Naternal Vitamins is provided here.
In light of the recall, we encourage everyone to act swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being. Be sure to contact the manufacturers if you have any questions or concerns regarding the affected products.
What’s your take on this recall? Have you used any of the products listed, and how has this information affected you? Share your thoughts below—your feedback is important to us.
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