This recent article in the NYTimes speaks about items sold as supplements which contin medications and other chemical compounds which may or can be hazzardous for human consumption. Unfortunately this article doesnt list the components of a formula called “Pai You Guo”. Serious side effects are listed in the article, and unfortunately the FDA is not able to monitor the safety of many products. Many products of concern are marketed for weight loss and sexual enhancement.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/business/supplement-drugs-may-contain-dangerous-ingredients.html?_r=2&emc=tnt&tntemail0=y
For example “Pills marketed as male sexual enhancement supplements often contain sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, or its analogues. But these adulterated pills sometimes contain up to seven times the recommended dose, Mr. Levy says. Another danger: some of the analogues may have never been tested for safety in humans.” this is of concern for men taking medications in which sildenafil is contraindicated….
Though I would imagine products sold at GNC are likely safe, I personally have seen 3 patients in the past 2.5 years who bought weight loss/body building products which exacerbated mania (1) or psychosis (2). Two out of the three pts bought products from GNC.
