Advisory

2003-27
May 8, 2003
For immediate release

Health Canada advises against use of SEAVITE products containing iodine

Halifax/Ottawa - Health Canada is advising consumers not to use SEAVITE Premium Atlantic Kelp Blend and SEAVITE Premium Atlantic Kelp Tablets.

These products, when consumed according to the instructions on the label can provide 25 times the recommended daily allowance (RDA) per day of iodine for adults; and could lead to serious adverse health consequences. These consequences are particularly noted in individuals with disorders of the thyroid gland, for pregnant women themselves as well as for their fetus, for the newborn of breastfeeding women, and for children of all ages.

There have been three reports of serious adverse events, one of which required hospitalization, that have been attributed to the use of these two Seavite Products.

Both products have been recalled by the manufacturer, Newfoundland Aqua Products Inc.

While iodine is necessary to ensure the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland, excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid disorders which, can lead to heart problems. Excess iodine intake can manifest itself as either an under - or over-active thyroid. Consumers who have concerns should consult their health care provider.

Individuals especially sensitive to the toxic effects of excess iodine are children of all ages, pregnant women and those who have been, or are, under a doctor=s supervision for thyroid disease, have had previous iodine deficiency and have nodular goiter. In addition, pregnant and breast feeding women need to exercise caution as the fetus and nursing newborns are also highly susceptible to the adverse effects of excess iodine. Individuals taking amiodarone, a prescription drug for treating disorders of heart rhythm as well as those exposed to iodine containing radiocontrast agents may also be at increased risk if they ingest these two Seavite products concurrently.

The recommended daily allowance for iodine ranges from 90 micrograms (0.09 milligrams) per day for children aged 1-8 years to 150 micrograms (0.15 milligrams) per day for adults.

Health Canada encourages health care professionals and practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine consumers, to report any suspected adverse events associated with the use of a product to Health Canada, using the following website form:

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/report-declaration/form/index_e.html

Information on reporting adverse events can be obtained from the following Web site:

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/index_e.html

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Media Inquiries:
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991