Trying to get pregnant or pregnant now?

Check all medicine cabinets or pantries for dietary supplements you're taking because the FDA has issued a warning that an ingredient in supplements that are marketed for weight loss, energy and brain and memory function "may cause a miscarriage or harm to the fetus."

The ingredient is called vinpocetine, a synthetically produced compound that is sold on its own or combined with other ingredients and is often listed as "vinca minor extract," "lesser periwinkle extract" or "common periwinkle extract."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed data from the National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health that showed the ingredient caused decreased fetal weight and boosted chances of a miscarriage in test animals. The blood levels of vinpocetine measured in the pregnant animals were similar to those reported in people after a single dose of vinpocetine, suggesting that pregnant women also may experience adverse effects from the compound.

"These findings are particularly concerning since products containing vinpocetine are widely available for use by women of childbearing age," the FDA warning stated. "That’s why today we’re advising pregnant women and women who could become pregnant not to take vinpocetine."

Misleading labels

Toxicology tests showed that in a significant number of products the actual content of vinpocetine varied from what was stated on the label, which could result in higher doses.

The FDA is advising that dietary supplement manufacturers "evaluate their product labeling to ensure that it provides safety warnings against use by pregnant women and women who could become pregnant."

An internet spot-check of some of the products that contain vinpocetine include:

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