Canada has warned consumers not to use certain Ayurvedic medicinal products because they contain high levels of metals like lead, mercury and arsenic that are harmful to health, Xinhua reports.

The health ministry is taking action to remove these products from the market and to prevent further imports into Canada, an official release said.

Ayurvedic products are used in traditional Indian healing and are often imported from India. According to the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, heavy metals may be used because of their reputed therapeutic properties.

However, improper manufacturing processes may result in dangerously high levels of heavy metals remaining in the final product.

Heavy metals pose a particular health risk because they may accumulate in vital organs. Children are most susceptible to toxic effects of heavy metal poisoning.

Arsenic poisoning can cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, heart abnormalities, liver damage and reduced motor nerve function.

Lead poisoning can cause weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, swelling of the brain and paralysis while mercury poisoning can cause tremors, insomnia, memory loss and slowed sensory and motor nerve function.