Health Canada is warning customers about 'unauthorized' mood supplements

Health Canada is warning customers about the "serious health risks" posed by some kinds of unauthorized hormonal supplements for mood and stress.Earlier this week, Health Canada released an advisory about a supplement called Natrol DHEA Mood & Stress. The product was sold by a company called Retail Revolt online and at two retail locations in Alberta, though they are no longer selling it and has forfeited its inventory to Health Canada. "Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a controlled substance that may pose serious health risks," the notice reads. "Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality."DHEA can cause higher-than-normal levels of testosterone and estrogen in the body and can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Other potential side effects include serious cardiovascular disease and changes in fertility and sperm production. For women, DHEA could also cause acne and hirsutism (or male-pattern hair growth). DHEA can also worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in those with mood disorders because of interactions with antipsychotics and other medications.Those with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, blood clotting disorders, liver disease and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid DHEA. Any customers that have bought or used the product should consult their healthcare professional. Products should also be returned to a pharmacy for proper disposal. Any related side effects of complaints should be reported to the department. Health Canada is also reminding Canadians not to buy or use unauthorized drugs. "Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM)," the notice reads. Canadians can check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.

Health Canada is warning customers about 'unauthorized' mood supplements

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