New drink Neuro isn't Suitable if You're Pregnant or Breastfeeding

[musgrove]

Just wanted to alert Mumsnetters to a new drink called " Neuro."
I was in my local supermarket today , with buggy and newborn baby in full view when I happened upon a sample table, next to the magazines and fruit and veg. Ever one to make the most of freebies I started reading the leaflet about these new drinks, which claim to help put you in a better mood, amongst other things. The strapline is " Modern Science's greatest blend of natural ingredients."

The promotions lady came along and asked if I'd like to try some, which I did. She told me all about the drink. I even asked how the one entitled " Neuro Trim" helped you lose weight and she said that it contained extra fibre which made you feel full. " Drink an hour before you eat! " she said, " It works! "

And I asked how the drink called " Neuro Bliss " put you in a good mood. " It's got ginseng and chamomile" she enthused.

Well - I'm not one to fall for gimmicks or PR, but the drink tasted nice so I bought a couple of bottles.

Got home, drank half the bottle of " Neuro Bliss " ( which didn't put me in a good mood, unsurprisingly ) and then saw the caution on the side: " For adults only. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing."

I had already breastfed my DD by this time. So I called the supermarket, who claimed that they aren't responsible because they didn't train the promotions lady!

I left it, then became more concerned and called again. This time, the manager was slightly more helpful, and said that she'd call the supplier on Monday to find out why this drink isn't suitable for pregnant or nursing women, and that in the meantime I should call NHS Direct ( although what they can do heaven only knows.) But she still didn't accept any responsibility.

I don't think that I'm being unreasonable in feeling very let down by both the supermarket and outraged by the drinks company themselves. The promotions person should have asked if I was breastfeeding after seeing that I was pushing a buggy. And the sample table wasn't in the alcoholic drinks section - which would automatically deter most pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The point is, I think, that Neuro should be more vigilant, train their staff properly and not suggest that their product is natural.

What did NHS 24 say then? It is probably just a caution they put on the side so they don't have to test the drink on nursing and breastfeeding mothers isn't it? Like the way they put "may contain nuts" on everything as it saves them having to make sure they are safe and being sued if it is not. Can you google the ingredients and see?

What's in the ingredients list?

I am a bit after looking at the website to see that they have a "junior" version of the weight loss one - a weight loss aid aimed at children?

I think you are really over reacting about this - if someone had asked a bottle feeding mother if she was breastfeeding she may have got a frosty response too - it is written on the can - take responsibility. You do know you are breastfeeding and you do know you should be vigilant, clearly you have too much time on your hands.

Side effects from Wikipedia

Ginkgo may have undesirable effects, especially for individuals with blood circulation disorders and those taking anticoagulants such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or warfarin, although recent studies have found that ginkgo has little or no effect on the anticoagulant properties or pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects.[38][39] Ginkgo should also not be used by people who are taking certain types of antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors[40][41]) or by pregnant women, without first consulting a doctor.
Extracts of Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and have been used pharmaceutically. Ginkgo supplements are usually taken in the range of 40?200mg per day. Recently, careful clinical trials have shown Ginkgo to be ineffective in treating dementia or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's Disease in normal people.

Ginkgo side effects and cautions include: possible increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness.[41][42] If any side effects are experienced, consumption should be stopped immediately.
[edit] Allergic precautions and contraindications to use
Ginkgo biloba leaves contain long-chain alkylphenols together with the extremely potent allergens, the urushiols (similar to poison ivy).[43] Individuals with a history of strong allergic reactions to poison ivy, mangoes, and other urushiol-producing plants are more likely to experience an adverse reaction when consuming Ginkgo-containing pills, combinations, or extracts.

I just looked at the website they have, it does not mention the amount of the separate herbs in there so it may just be flavoured water and very little active ingredient

Oh FGS, have you really nothing better to do with your time tyhan whinge?

the reason it says that is because it is unethical and immoral to test this sort of stuff on breastfeeding mothers and infants

so it has to carry a warning.

if you are breastfeeding and trying something new, i think it the onus is upon you to read the label and ensure it is ok

i think you need to be more vigilant and responsible if you feel this strongly

Thanks a million Hellbent - was just about to do same!

TartyHighheels : Yep, totally agree that one should take responsibilty. Which is why I read the leaflet and asked a lot of of questions. Always read the label but didn't this time as I'd had a whole conversation with a rep from the comapany, read the leaflet, etc....

As for having loads of time - actually with an older child and working not really. Just wanted to post to alert other women to the drink, not to whinge.

You called a supermarket twice - that's def a whinge......

So that they could tell the rep that it's not suitable for pregnant... etc. and she could mention it in her pitch to customers.

Blimey..

Glad to help. But one of the first questions I would've asked would have been "can it be taken while breastfeeding?", but that is just me. I think your post comes across more like 'who can I blame?' rather than 'will my baby be ok?'

Thanks for the warning. Id rather be told something twice than not at all...

Yes, Hellbent, perhaps you're right. Lack of sleep meaning I can barely string a sentence together at the mo!

It kind of depends on how they were offering it IMO.

If the display was a mediciney type thing ie they were making it clear it had active ingredients then yes onus is on you to check ingredients etc.

If they presented it as a drink, then most people would not expect a drink to have contraindications and so they were being unreasonable IMO.

Having said that I don't think it'll do you any harm.

Can I just point out that the OP mentions ginseng as the ingredient and Hellbent has given details of gingko [biloba]. They are two very different substances.

Purple I used the neuro drink site nutritional information, I think OP gave the incorrect name in post. The bottle has gingko biloba in it and not ginseng.