Authorities in France warned on Wednesday’s use of nutritional supplements promising weight loss that contain extract from the tropical plant Garcinia Cambogia. This warning came after reporting several cases when, after ingestion of the supplement, rare but serious side effects, including one death, appeared. Informed AFP, writes TASR.
Garcinia cambogia, also called Garcinia Gummi-Gutta or Malabar Tamarind, grows in India and Southeast Asia and its fetus resembles a round pumpkin. A variety of accessories with extracts from this plant are sold worldwide, which, according to advertising, has the ability to suppress appetite and promotes weight loss, with the reputation of the fat burner. However, these claims are not supported by comprehensive scientific evidence.
After examining the circumstances of the death of a 71-year-old woman who has been using this supplement for a long time, the French Fire Ageses Safety Agency issued a statement on Wednesday, in which people “strongly recommend” consuming this plant.
AFP added that from 2009 to March last year in France reported 38 cases of serious side effects of nutritional supplement containing Garcia. They affected the liver, pancreas, heart, muscles and mental health, Anses said.
These side effects may occur in people with a history of psychiatric disorders, pancreatitis or hepatitis or in people suffering from diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure. People taking antidepressants, antiretroviral drugs or drugs affecting the activity and condition of the liver may also feel side effects.
Taking a supplement containing a extract from Garcia may also have a negative impact on people’s health without health problems. Anses informed about the case of a 32-year-old woman who, after taking the dietary supplement, developed myocarditis with the need for heart transplantation.
The safety of products using Garcinia Cambogia is currently assessed by the European Food Safety Authority. It also examines the risk of hydroxycitronic acid, a component of extracted from the Garcinia plant, which is also used in supplements promoting weight loss.
