The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the consumption, sale, and distribution of "Addall" supplements, after laboratory tests revealed they contained illegal and unapproved ingredients that pose a risk to public health.
The warning includes the orange-flavored liquid product "Addall XR" and the capsule-shaped product "Addall XL," both of which are marketed through ZMB Enterprises LLC and sold at gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
The company claims that these products enhance focus and provide "mental clarity and high energy," but tests conducted by US authorities on market samples showed that they contained unregulated and prohibited substances in dietary supplements.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, these substances may increase the risk of addiction and cause serious, potentially life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
The agency explained that it informed the company of the findings last January and demanded that the products be withdrawn from the market. The company agreed to withdraw only the liquid product, while refusing to withdraw the capsules, before later announcing that it would not use the unapproved ingredients in the future.
The liquid product "Addall XR" is marketed as a fast-acting dose to enhance focus, and contains a mixture of stimulants and mind-boosting substances such as caffeine, para-santhine, and theobromine, in addition to compounds such as L-theanine, alpha-GPC, and N-acetyl L-tyrosine, which are used to support focus and mental energy.
The "Addall XL" capsules are marketed as caffeine-free and supporting "deep focus for long hours," and contain substances such as PEA, GABA, and DMHA, which are claimed to enhance mood, energy, and alertness.
However, investigations also revealed that the liquid product contained phenibut (β-Phenyl-GABA), a central nervous system depressant banned in food products in the United States, and associated with a risk of addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms.
1,4-DMAA, an unapproved synthetic stimulant linked to high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and an increased risk of stroke and heart problems, was also found in some samples.
In the same context, the Food and Drug Administration warned that substances such as DMAA and DMHA may cause serious cardiovascular problems, while phenibut may lead to neurological effects including impaired balance, fatigue, and loss of consciousness, in addition to the risk of addiction even after short-term use.
The agency confirmed that stopping the use of phenibut may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, and that its use with other substances may increase the likelihood of life-threatening complications.
The administration did not clarify whether anyactual cases of illness linked to these products have been recorded so far.
The authorities urged consumers to immediately stop using these supplements and dispose of them, and also called on retailers and distributors to stop selling and distributing them, while emphasizing the need to inform customers of the risks.
It also recommended that anyone who suspects they have experienced health complications as a result of using it should consult a doctor immediately.
