FDA issues public health alert about cesium salt-containing supplements

The alert, which can be found HERE​ and is intended for consumers and health care professionals, is in response to significant safety risks, including heart toxicity and potential death.

According to the FDA, “Multiple clinical case reports and non-clinical studies show significant safety concerns related to the use of such products, including potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, hypokalemia (low potassium), seizures, syncope (fainting, unresponsiveness), and death.​

“Cesium salts, such as cesium chloride, are sometimes promoted as alternative treatments for cancer.  Cesium salts have never been proven to be safe and effective to treat cancer or for any other use.​

“While it appears that few dietary supplements containing cesium salts are currently on the market, consumers should be aware of the risks associated with them and should avoid purchasing and using such products.”​

Adverse Event Reports​

After a review of the CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) database related to cesium salts and reviewed other available information, including a Citizen Petition filed by Public Citizen and Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, the Agency states it “identified multiple clinical case reports and non-clinical studies that suggest that cesium chloride and other cesium salts pose significant safety risks”​.

FDA is advising consumers to not purchase or use dietary supplements containing cesium salts. The Agency is also advising health care professionals to not recommend these products.