Accidentally Taken Fake Vitamins? IPB University Doctor Shares 5 Steps to Take
Consumers who have already taken vitamins suspected of being counterfeit should stop taking them immediately and consult a healthcare professional. This advice was given by dr Sulpiana, MBiomed, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz), IPB University, who urged the public to be more vigilant about the circulation of counterfeit vitamins on online platforms.
The warning comes amid the recent discovery of a factory producing counterfeit children’s vitamins in Lampung. The products were sold for IDR 50.000 per bottle and promoted online to reach parents in various regions.
No Symptoms Does Not Mean It Is Safe
According to dr Sulpiana, the convenience of online shopping must be accompanied by caution. Referring to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), counterfeit health products may contain incorrect amounts of active ingredients, contain no active ingredients at all, or even contain harmful substances.
She emphasized that not all counterfeit vitamins cause immediate symptoms. “The absence of symptoms does not mean the product is safe,” she stressed. The effects depend on the product’s ingredients, the amount consumed, the frequency of consumption, and the consumer’s health condition.
Five Steps to Take After Consuming Suspected Counterfeit Vitamins
First, stop taking the product. “Do not try to finish the product simply because some remains or because you have already spent money on it,” she said. Second, keep the packaging, batch number, and proof of purchase.
Third, record the time of consumption, the amount taken, and any symptoms that appear. Watch for new symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, itching, dizziness, or weakness. If shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue or throat, seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe abdominal pain occurs, seek medical attention immediately. “Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help,” she emphasized.
Fourth, consult a healthcare professional. “A doctor will assess the need for examinations and treatment based on each individual’s condition,” she said. She also reminded the public not to induce vomiting or attempt detoxification without guidance from a healthcare professional.
Children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses require special attention. If members of these groups have consumed products suspected of being counterfeit, they should consult a healthcare professional even if no symptoms have appeared, particularly when the product’s ingredients or the amount consumed are not known with certainty.
Fifth, check the product’s registration status using the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)’s Cek KLIK procedure by checking the Packaging, Label, Marketing Authorization, and Expiration Date. Consumers can verify products through cekbpom.pom.go.id and report suspected counterfeiting.
How to Prevent It from Happening Again
Repeated consumption of counterfeit vitamins may increase the risk of untreated vitamin deficiencies, repeated exposure to contaminants, and side effects caused by excessive dosages. Therefore, dr Sulpiana urged the public to purchase vitamins from pharmacies, official stores, or accountable sellers.
“If a product raises suspicion, the safest option is to stop using it and seek information from a healthcare professional or through official BPOM channels,” she concluded. (AS) (IAAS/HRD)
