4 Weight Loss Supplements Recalled Nationwide at FDA’s Highest Risk Level

Whether it’s a doctor-prescribed injectable or an herbal product you read about, sometimes just the promise of a jumpstart at trimming down can be the motivation you need to focus in on it.

If, in fact, you’ve gone the over-the-counter or online-purchased route, it’s important to understand that these products aren’t regulated as medications by the government. Even so, the government tries to keep an eye out—and the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) is flagging a concern on four ingestible weight loss supplements.

A February update on a recent recall indicates that a government investigation has found four weight loss supplements to have the potential to present “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” This is the definition for an FDA Class I recall. The FDA says the products contain toxic yellow oleander. This tropical plant, native to Central and South America as well as the West Indes, is poisonous to people and pets.

First announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December, the incident involved four products distributed by Motivate Me Ashley, LLC:

• VidaSlim 90-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules)
• VidaSlim 30-day (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules)
• VidaSlim 7-day Sample Size (Original Root, Root Plus, and Root Capsules)
• VidaSlim Hot Body Brew (Strawberry and Peach flavors)

The notice did not disclose how many units of the products were affected. However, because the problem was discovered through the testing of random samples which revealed the presence of yellow oleander, the FDA also acknowledges “the possibility of other lots containing yellow oleander as well.”

The FDA stated in its notice: “The consumption of yellow oleander can cause adverse effects on neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular health that can be serious or even fatal,” adding: “Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart changes, arrhythmia, and more.” The most recent report suggests that to date, VidaSlim has not received any reports of illness related to the recall.

The affected products were sold online throughout the U.S. and reportedly bear expirations dates printed on the bottom of the bottles spanning from December 2024 to December 2025.

VidaSlim is not the only brand to include the toxic plant in its products. An FDA report released last year in January 2024 shows that this is a growing problem affecting at least 18 supplement brands.

As a course for remedy, the FDA stated in its original recall notice: “Consumers who have purchased the VidaSlim products listed above with expiration dates between 12/24 (December 2024) and 12/25 (December 2025) are urged to discontinue use of the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase to be exchanged for a product of equal value (proof of purchase required).” Refer to the recall link above to access the appropriate contact information.

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