The Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) continues to advise consumers to beware of alleged “dietary supplements,” in a Consumer Updates article released this week. The warnings are geared toward products marketed primarily for weight loss, sexual enhancement, and body building.

Nearly 300 products to date have been found to contain “hidden or deceptively labeled ingredients,” according to the article.

“Some of these products contain hidden prescription ingredients at levels much higher than those found in an approved drug product,” says Michael Levy, director of the agency’s Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance. “We need consumers to be aware of these dangerous products and to learn how to identify and avoid them.

Consumers should be alert when products carry exaggerated claims of effectiveness or unrealistic “testimonials.” Drug claims such as “quick and effective” and “can treat or cure disease” are major warning signs that a supplement is fraudulent.

The FDA also suggests that consumers consult with their health care professionals when considering supplements or analyzing product claims.

Complications of using these tainted products can be serious and include stroke, liver and kidney damage, palpitations, and death.

Unlike over-the-counter or prescription drugs, dietary supplements are not required to be approved by the FDA before introduction into the market. The agency can only step in after the product has been released to monitor adverse event reports and product promotion information.