Health scare of the week: Toxic Ayurvedic medicines

last updated 8 January 2015

An estimated 750,000 Americans have turned to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medical treatment. Ayurvedic treatments combine herbal therapy with meditation and exercise for “holistic” wellness. But a survey of 200 of the available Ayurvedic “herbal” remedies has found that about 20 percent of such supplements—including those made in the U.S.—contain dangerous levels of toxic metals including mercury, arsenic, and especially lead. “Even small levels of lead in the blood can increase the risk of high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, and decreased IQ,” says Dr. Robert Saper, author of the study. Saper decided to conduct his study when he treated an Indian-American patient whose lead-laced Ayurvedic pills led to life-threatening seizures. Saper says it’s time for the FDA to take charge when it comes to over-the-counter supplements. “It shouldn’t be me trying to figure this out,” he tells the Los Angeles Times.