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9694369 
Journal Article 
Review 
Tiratricol-induced periodic paralysis: a review of nutraceuticals affecting thyroid function 
Cohen-Lehman, J; Charitou, MM; Klein, I 
2011 
Yes 
Endocrine Practice
ISSN: 1530-891X
EISSN: 1934-2403 
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 
17 
4 
610-615 
English 
21803722 
WOS:000294276000011 
OBJECTIVE: To review the potential adverse effects of thyroid hormone-based nutraceuticals and describe a case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) after abuse of a dietary supplement containing 3,5,3'-triiodothyroacetic acid (tiratricol).

METHODS: We review the literature on potential dangers and therapeutic misadventures of thyroid hormone-based nutraceuticals and present the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data of a bodybuilder in whom hypokalemic TPP developed after use of "Triax Metabolic Accelerator".

RESULTS: A 23-year-old white man developed lower extremity paralysis, diaphoresis, and palpitations in the setting of low serum potassium levels. Laboratory results showed suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone, low levels of free and total thyroxine, low total triiodothyronine level, and very low 24-hour radioiodine uptake. The patient ultimately admitted to taking a supplement containing tiratricol for approximately 2 months, and hypokalemic TPP was diagnosed. He was treated with potassium supplementation and a β-adrenergic blocking agent, which completely resolved his symptoms. Results of thyroid function tests normalized or approached normal 1 week after hospitalization, and future use of dietary supplements was strongly discouraged. Despite 2 warnings by the US Food and Drug Administration, products containing tiratricol are still available for sale on the Internet.

CONCLUSION: This report illustrates both an unusual adverse effect of a nutraceutical containing tiratricol and the importance of educating our patients about the risks versus benefits of using these widely available but loosely regulated products. 
Biotechnology and Bioengineering Abstracts; Abuse; Dietary supplements; Data processing; Thyroid-stimulating hormone; Side effects; Reviews; nutraceuticals; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine; Paralysis; Thyroid hormones; Potassium; W 30935:Food Biotechnology