The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) has recently issued a warning regarding the consumption of dietary supplements containing Garcinia cambogia as an appetite suppressant. This alert follows numerous reports of severe, and in some cases fatal, side effects associated with these products.
Garcinia cambogia Desr is a plant commonly found in dietary supplements aimed at promoting weight loss. This so-called natural appetite suppressant is touted for its supposed benefits in curbing hunger and inhibiting fat production.
However, Anses has raised alarms about the serious health risks linked to these supplements. This alert specifically references a death that was allegedly connected to the use of this appetite suppressant, which reportedly caused acute hepatitis.
“Following a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis and several other reports of severe side effects submitted to its nutrivigilance system, Anses has initiated an assessment to evaluate the adverse effects triggered by the consumption of dietary supplements containing Garcinia cambogia Desr.”
It is crucial to highlight that Garcinia cambogia has been banned from medications in France since 2012 due to health risks. Nonetheless, this ban does not extend to dietary supplements, which are frequently perceived as less hazardous. This distinction could mislead consumers regarding the safety of such products.
Suggested Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia cambogia is often marketed as a miraculous weight loss aid in dietary supplements. Its purported benefits include:
- Weight control
- Reduction of fat storage
- Decreased appetite
- Cholesterol regulation
It’s important to note that these claims are currently under review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, until these reviews are concluded, current European regulations still permit the use of these claims.
Anses emphasizes that the transitional status of unassessed claims may mislead consumers, who could mistakenly believe these assertions have been validated by scientific research.
Anses Issues Warning on Garcinia Cambogia Desr Side Effects
Anses has documented 38 cases of severe adverse effects among individuals who consumed dietary supplements with Garcinia cambogia between 2009 and March 2024. These effects include:
- Severe liver damage
- Acute hepatitis, including one fatal outcome
- Cardiac complications
- Digestive issues (pancreatitis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea)
- Muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis)
- Psychiatric disorders
It is essential to point out that these adverse effects are not limited to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Cases have also been reported in patients with no prior health issues.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain individuals are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of Garcinia cambogia, including:
- Those with a history of psychiatric issues, pancreatitis, or hepatitis.
- Individuals with diabetes, obesity, or hypertension.
- People undergoing treatment with antidepressants, antiretrovirals, or medications impacting liver function.
- Drug interactions with Garcinia cambogia are numerous and potentially hazardous. This plant may amplify the effects of certain diabetes medications, posing a risk of hypoglycemia. It may also enhance side effects of asthma medications.
- Concurrent use of Garcinia cambogia with cholesterol-lowering drugs may elevate the risk of rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal muscle condition. Additional interactions have been identified with antiretrovirals, drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450, those at risk of serotonin syndrome, anticoagulants, and hepatotoxic medications.
Recommendations from Anses on Garcinia Cambogia Desr
- Avoid consuming dietary supplements containing Garcinia cambogia.
- For those looking to lose weight, prefer safer and more sustainable approaches.
- Adopt a balanced diet and maintain regular physical activity.
- Consult a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.
Towards Stricter Regulations on Dietary Supplements?
In response to Anses’ alert, several manufacturers of dietary supplements containing Garcinia cambogia have taken action. Some have voluntarily withdrawn their products from the market, while others dispute the agency’s findings.
This situation leads to consumer confusion, underscoring the importance of following health authority recommendations rather than manufacturer claims. Anses’ warning may have implications beyond French borders.
Other countries may need to reassess their stance on the use of Garcinia cambogia in dietary supplements, potentially leading to similar restrictions internationally.
The Garcinia cambogia situation reignites the debate on the need for more stringent regulations concerning dietary supplements. Consumer organizations and some lawmakers are advocating for a framework akin to that of medications, requiring clinical studies prior to market approval.
The Health Ministry has established a working group to explore this possibility, with conclusions expected by the end of the year.
Far from being a miracle cure, Garcinia cambogia poses significant health risks, particularly related to liver and cardiovascular health. Given these dangers, caution is advised. Anses reminds us that “weight loss without medical indication carries risks, especially when individuals engage in unbalanced and poorly varied diets.”
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Anses lacks health policing powers; any potential ban on Garcinia cambogia products would fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture.
