Wellness company's recalled milkshakes caused chronic vitamin overdose, B.C. sales rep claims | CBC News (2024)

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Wellness company's recalled milkshakes caused chronic vitamin overdose, B.C. sales rep claims | CBC News? ›

Wellness company's recalled milkshakes caused chronic vitamin overdose

Controversy. Physician Harriet A. Hall published a lengthy critique of Isagenix products in Skeptical Inquirer, in which she said that many of the claims made about the products are false, and that the amount of vitamin A in some of the products is dangerous and goes against the recommendations of The Medical Letter.

Although the Isagenix system can help some people lose weight quickly, there are negative aspects. For example: Meal replacement products are high in sugar. Specifically, they are rich in a simple sugar called fructose that is associated with adverse health outcomes, such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance.

However, drugs and biologics (i.e. vaccines and cellular and gene therapies) are the products that the FDA requires proof of safety and effectiveness before being marketed. Isagenix products are not considered either of these, but are dietary supplements and food products.

Numerous Isagenix shakes and bars were recalled by Health Canada in 2020 and 2021 because of "over-fortification" with vitamins, which caused some customers to become sick.

Ottawa, January 29, 2021 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to buy and consume Isagenix brand products recalled on October 31, 2020, November 7, 2020 and November 14, 2020 due to over-fortification of vitamins.

IsaLean shakes are sweetened with fructose and are designed to be used as a meal replacement twice per day on shake days during the 30-day program.

And if you need to limit dietary protein — for example, if you have kidney disease — a relatively high-protein shake like Isagenix might not be safe, because the high protein content increases the strain on your kidneys.

We recommend the Mayo Clinic Diet as a great weight loss option for anyone wanting to lose weight. It's a particularly good choice for those who may want or need the flexibility of following a specific diet, such as gluten-free or vegan, but offers a wide range of solid benefits for everyone.

These are good if you're trying to build muscle or increase your protein intake. Since protein shakes and supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, look for shakes that are certified by a third party like NSF International or Informed Choice, which test ingredients. And check the label for protein content and additives.

What products does the FDA not approve? ›

Fact #7: The FDA does not approve cosmetics.

The ingredients (except certain colors) and labeling of cosmetics, such as many perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations do not require FDA approval.

Isagenix has tested several AMPED products for Informed-Sport certification. This certification helps ensure that there are no traces of banned substances in the products, including those from cross-contamination during manufacturing, that can lead to a positive drug test.

Isagenix's Corporate Family Rating remains unchanged at C and the outlook remains negative. Isagenix's C Corporate Family Rating reflects the high likelihood of a debt restructuring based on the company operating under a forbearance agreement due to missed interest and principal payments due in September 2022.

As of Dec. 31, 2017, there were 240 Isagenix Millionaires globally (Associates who exceeded $1 million in cumulative gross earnings since joining Isagenix, with 26 of those millionaires being Associates in Australia or New Zealand.).

The average Isagenix salary ranges from approximately $50,000 per year for Associate to $220,000 per year for Vice President. Average Isagenix hourly pay ranges from approximately $19.61 per hour for Customer Service Representative to $20.79 per hour for Product Marketing Manager.