The European Food Safety Authority conducted research that may lead to the restriction or even prohibition of the Garcinia cambogia plant, which is used in food supplements. In France, it is hoped that lists will appear in Europe identifying plants permitted for use in food supplements, as well as restrictions and warnings regulating their use.
"Weight loss without consultation with a doctor poses a risk, especially if a person maintains an unbalanced and low-variety diet," the agency reminded, emphasizing that uncontrolled weight loss can seriously harm health.
However, some cases suggest that people trying simply to lose weight have experienced serious deterioration in their health or even died from the subsequent use of this plant.
Currently, European norms do not contradict the use declared for weight loss (control of weight, decrease in blood sugar levels and cholesterol, etc.) presented by manufacturers of food supplements based on Garcinia cambogia.
Continuing to assess the risks associated with the intake of hydroxycitric acid contained in the fruits of this plant, which is attributed its weight loss properties, the European agency has begun evaluating the impact of this substance on people taking antidepressants or antiviral drugs, affecting liver functions.
Adverse side effects may increase due to interactions of users with other medications, clarified the French agency.
In Italy, a 45-year-old woman died from acute liver failure after taking a food supplement based on Garcinia cambogia during asthma treatment, on the background of the intake of a drug known for its effect on the liver.
A total of 38 cases of adverse events have been registered in France from 2009 to March 2024, among which there were liver violations, psychiatric disorders, foodborne system disorders, cardiac and muscle disorders, often carrying serious character.
In conclusion, advice on the potential dangers of food supplements can pose serious health problems for those with a history of psychiatric disorders, pancreatitis, and liver diseases, as well as suffer from diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure.
