U.S. Food and Drug Administration

 FDA News Release,  May 21, 2001

Vital Nutrients Recalls Joint Ease and Verified Quality Brand Joint Comfort Complex Because of Adverse Health Risk Associated with Aristolochic Acid

For Immediate Release

MIDDLETOWN, CT- May 21, 2001 -- Vital Nutrients/RHG & CO., Inc of Middletown, Connecticut is voluntarily recalling dietary supplement products named VITAL NUTRIENTS JOINT EASE (both 60 and 120 count) and VERIFIED QUALITY JOINT COMFORT COMPLEX (both 60 and 120 count), ALL LOT NUMBERS because it contains Clematis Chinensis Extract, which contains Aristolochic Acid. Consumption of products containing Aristolochic Acid has been associated with life threatening adverse risks and is considered a potent carcinogen and nephrotoxin.

JOINT EASE/JOINT COMFORT COMPLEX was distributed to the following states; AK, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, MA, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OR, TX, VT, WA through distributors, direct delivery, retail stores and Naturopathic Physicians, Chiropractic Physicians and MD’s.

Product can be identified through labels - Vital Nutrients Joint Ease and Verified Quality Joint Comfort Complex (both 60 and 120 count bottles).

The FDA has received reports that two patients in the U.S. developed serious kidney disease associated with the use of botanical products that were shown by laboratory analysis to contain aristolochic acid.

The voluntary recall was initiated after Vital Nutrients identified an independent laboratory that was capable of conducting the appropriate analysis to determine the presence of aristolochic acid in Clematis Chinensis Extract - the results were positive for aristolochic acid. The production and distribution of these products was suspended by Vital Nutrients.

Consumers who purchased the products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers who purchased these products directly from Vital Nutrients can call for specific return instructions. Consumers with questions may contact Vital Nutrients at 888-328-9992.

The FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. The FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

The text in this article was prepared by the FDA Office of Public Affairs.