Final Total Body Tests Reveal High Chromium

WASHINGTON—FDA's final analysis of several versions of Total Body Formula have revealed hazardous levels of chromium. This follows earlier results in April showing Total Body Formula in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor contained excessive, dangerous levels of selenium.

In the final tests, samples contained up to 3,426 micrograms of chromium for the recommended serving—17 times the recommended intake of between 35 to 45 micrograms per day for adults. FDA noted excessive consumption of chromium can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, renal failure and liver toxicity. It can also interfere with certain medications.

Woodstock, Ga.-based Total Body Nutrition Inc. voluntarily recalled both brands of functional beverages on April 15, in response to the selenium findings and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports of adverse events, which the agency now says has reached 195 confirmed cases, including individuals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

FDA said it continues to investigate how excessive amounts of selenium and chromium got into the Total Body products.