On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) issued a pressing warning against the consumption of Garcinia cambogia supplements, which are widely marketed for their purported weight-loss benefits. Despite being banned from medicinal use since 2012, the plant continues to be present in numerous dietary supplements, with around 340 products currently available, primarily sold online. ANSES has highlighted significant health risks associated with these products, which can lead to serious adverse effects, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and severe digestive and psychiatric issues.
The agency's alert came after cumulative reports indicated 38 cases of serious side effects associated with Garcinia cambogia consumption from 2009 to March 2024, particularly among individuals who had no prior health issues. Notably alarming was the case of a 32-year-old woman, who suffered from myocarditis requiring heart transplant surgery, underscoring the potential for severe health risks even among those who appear healthy.
One particularly tragic incident noted by ANSES involved a 45-year-old woman in Italy who consumed supplements based on Garcinia gummi-gutta, the alternate name for Garcinia cambogia. While undergoing treatment for asthma with medication known to affect liver function, she succumbed to acute hepatitis. This incident exemplifies how dangerous interactions with other medications can arise from using these supplements.
Aymeric Dopter, head of ANSES’s nutrition risk evaluation unit, pointed out the serious consequences faced by individuals simply seeking to lose weight. "People who are perfectly healthy, wanting to lose just a little weight, end up hospitalized and critically ill," he noted. The agency strongly advises individuals to reconsider using Garcinia cambogia, emphasizing the lack of therapeutic benefit against the backdrop of potential severe health repercussions.
Garcinia cambogia, often touted for its appetite-suppressing qualities, can lead to various ailments, including acute and chronic liver issues, pancreatitis, and even psychological conditions. The French health authorities are calling for greater regulation of health claims made by manufacturers, particularly those promoting benefits such as weight control, fat reduction, and appetite suppression.
Currently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is reviewing the health claims associated with Garcinia cambogia supplements. These claims are under scrutiny as part of a broader effort to ascertain the risks of ingesting hydroxycitric acid, the primary active ingredient believed to be responsible for Garcinia's weight-loss effects.
EFSA is conducting risk assessments to determine whether stringent regulations or outright bans should be imposed on this ingredient based on its safety profile. This potential regulatory action highlights the urgency of addressing public health concerns surrounding unverified dietary supplements.
Despite the mounting evidence against the plant-based products, the current EU regulatory framework does not prevent claims promoting Garcinia cambogia’s health benefits. ANSES hopes for clearer guidelines regulating which plants can be included in dietary supplements, along with explicit warnings and usage restrictions. Without harmonized regulations, the current situation poses challenges for consumer safety across the EU.
"The risks associated with weight loss without medical oversight can be significant, especially when individuals engage in unhealthy dietary practices," ANSES cautioned. The agency has reiterated its recommendations and expressed the need for potential government intervention to completely ban Garcinia cambogia from the marketplace.
Given the serious side effects reported, health authorities are calling for consumers to exercise caution when considering dietary supplements and to prioritize safety over perceived benefits. Consumers have been reminded of the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.
At present, access to Garcinia cambogia supplements remains prevalent, yet the public awareness and regulatory action on the hazardous nature of these products are expected to increase in light of the recent warnings from health agencies like ANSES. This increased push for education and regulation aims to protect consumers from the potential dangers of unregulated supplements.