Postgrad Med J. 1995 Sep; 71(839): 557-8.

Pure white cell aplasia and health food products.

Forsyth PD, Davies JM.

Department of Haematology, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.

The safety of 'health' foods and complementary medicine products is increasingly questioned. We report a case of pure white cell aplasia developing in a patient who took a variety of such products leading to an excessive intake of zinc. Recovery was complete following the withdrawal of her 'medications'. The aetiology of the pure white cell aplasia is discussed with respect to the ingredients of the products ingested.