Dangerous dietary supplements: Garcinia cambogia-associated hepatic failure requiring transplantation.

Dangerous dietary supplements: Garcinia cambogia-associated hepatic failure requiring transplantation.
World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Dec 07;22(45):10071-10076
Authors: Lunsford KE, Bodzin AS, Reino DC, Wang HL, Busuttil RW
Abstract
Commercial dietary supplements are marketed as a panacea for the morbidly obese seeking sustainable weight-loss. Unfortunately, many claims cited by supplements are unsupported and inadequately regulated. Most concerning, however, are the associated harmful side effects, often unrecognized by consumers. Garcinia cambogia extract and Garcinia cambogia containing products are some of the most popular dietary supplements currently marketed for weight loss. Here, we report the first known case of fulminant hepatic failure associated with this dietary supplement. One active ingredient in this supplement is hydroxycitric acid, an active ingredient also found in weight-loss supplements banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009 for hepatotoxicity. Heightened awareness of the dangers of dietary supplements such as Garcinia cambogia is imperative to prevent hepatoxicity and potential fulminant hepatic failure in additional patients.
PMID: 28018115 [PubMed - in process]

Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG - December 6, 2016 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Lunsford KE, Bodzin AS, Reino DC, Wang HL, Busuttil RW Tags: World J Gastroenterol Source Type: research