Public Health Alert Concerning Dietary Supplements Containing Cesium Salts | FDA

Public Health Alert Concerning Dietary Supplements Containing Cesium Salts | FDA

Public Health Alert Concerning Dietary Supplements Containing Cesium Salts

February 5, 2020

Purpose

The FDA is warning consumers to avoid using dietary supplements containing cesium chloride or any other cesium salt (collectively referred to as “dietary supplements containing cesium salts”) due to significant safety risks, including heart toxicity and potential death. The FDA is also alerting health care professionals of the risks associated with dietary supplements containing cesium salts.

Summary of Problem and Scope

The FDA is warning consumers and health care professionals to avoid using or recommending dietary supplements containing cesium salts. Multiple clinical case reports and non-clinical studies show significant safety concerns related to the use of such products, including potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, hypokalemia (low potassium), seizures, syncope (fainting, unresponsiveness), and death.

Cesium salts, such as cesium chloride, are sometimes promoted as alternative treatments for cancer.  Cesium salts have never been proven to be safe and effective to treat cancer or for any other use.

While it appears that few dietary supplements containing cesium salts are currently on the market, consumers should be aware of the risks associated with them and should avoid purchasing and using such products.

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