Lori McClintock, the wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, death was caused by “adverse effects of white mulberry leaf ingestion,” according to a report from the Sacramento County coroner. McClintock’s death underscores the risks of the vast, booming market of dietary supplements and herbal remedies, which have grown into a $54 billion industry in the United States one that both lawmakers and health care experts say needs more government scrutiny.
The wife of a Northern California congressman died late last year after ingesting a plant that is generally considered safe and is used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, KHN has learned.
Lori McClintock, the wife of US Rep. Tom McClintock of California, died last December after ingesting white mulberry leaf, according to the Sacramento County coroner.
“Many people assume if that product is sold in the United States of America, somebody has inspected it, and it must be safe,” U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said when he introduced legislation to strengthen oversight of dietary supplements. “Unfortunately, that’s not always true.”