EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article said the recall was because of too much folic acid. That was inaccurate: it was due to “levels of the nitrosamine impurity, N-nitroso-folic acid, that exceeds the acceptable limit established by Health Canada.”
A brand of prenatal vitamins sold across the country has been recalled over levels of an impurity “that exceeds the acceptable limit.”
The recall is for blue tablets of JAMP Pharma pregnancy multivitamins and is “due to concerns it contains levels of a nitrosamine impurity, known as N-nitroso-folic acid, that exceeds the acceptable limit.”
According to the recall, blue tablets containing these ingredients are affected:
- Folic acid 1.1 milligrams
- Vitamin B12 12 micrograms
- Vitamin D3 600 international units (IU)
- Calcium 300 mg
“Affected lot exceeds the acceptable intake limit for N-nitroso-folic acid,” the recall states.
The products were distributed in Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Quebec to various retailers. It does not say in the recall when the products were sold but provides a drug identification number (DIN) of 02535718 and lot number LKE08.
The agency asks Canadians to verify if their product is affected, consult their health-care provider before discontinuing use or for any health concerns they may have and contact the recalling firm if they have any questions about the recall.
“Based primarily on animal studies, nitrosamine impurities are probable human carcinogens,” Health Canada says on a listing for nitrosamine impurities.
“This means that long-term exposure to a level above what is considered safe may increase the risk of cancer. There is no immediate health risk associated with the use of medications containing low levels of a nitrosamine impurity.”