Do not consume food supplements containing Garcinia cambogia
Although it is banned in medicines, the Garcinia cambogia Desr. plant continues to be offered in food supplements. Consuming them can have severe adverse effects, in particular acute hepatitis, including in people with no previous history of medical problems. An overall analysis of these signals has led ANSES to issue an alert strongly advising against the consumption of food supplements containing this plant.
An analysis of the numerous cases of severe effects reported worldwide has confirmed the alert
Following a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis and several other severe effects reported to its nutrivigilance scheme, ANSES initiated an expert appraisal to review the adverse effects caused by the consumption of food supplements containing Garcinia cambogia Desr.
The Agency conducted a comprehensive analysis of the cases identified by various French, European and North American vigilance systems; this was supplemented by a literature review. It identified cases of hepatic, psychiatric, digestive (pancreatitis), cardiac and muscular (rhabdomyolysis) damage. In the French nutrivigilance scheme alone, 38 cases of adverse effects were reported between 2009 and March 2024. The Agency also identified several drug interactions that can lead to an increase in adverse effects or cause medicines to lose their efficacy.
These effects can occur in people with a history of psychiatric disorders, pancreatitis or hepatitis, people suffering from certain cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity or hypertension, and people treated with medicines known to affect liver function, antiretroviral treatments or antidepressants. That being said, severe effects have also been reported in individuals with no previous history of medical problems. The results of this analysis therefore constitute an alert from ANSES. It advises against the consumption of products containing Garcinia cambogia Desr. by the entire population.
All food supplements containing Garcinia cambogia Desr. are designed to support weight loss. In this regard, ANSES points out that weight loss without any medical indication involves risks, especially when it leads to unbalanced eating habits and a low-diversity diet. Any weight loss programme requires the support of a healthcare professional.
Non-assessed health claims and use prohibited as a medicine
In its expert appraisal, ANSES also identified that, since 2012, the prescribing and dispensing of medicines or preparations containing Garcinia cambogia Desr. have been prohibited in France. These preparations have not proven their efficacy and may expose the patient to health risks.
For food supplements, on the other hand, the use of Garcinia cambogia Desr. is not prohibited. Requests to assess health claims have been submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These claims relate to weight control, the reduction of fat storage and feelings of hunger, and the control of blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The regulation in force (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of 20 December 2006) does not preclude the use of these claims, pending an assessment. ANSES emphasises that this transitional status may mislead consumers, who might think that a claim has already been assessed.
A European risk assessment that could go even further
The slimming properties of Garcinia cambogia Desr. are attributed to a form of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in the fruit of the plant. EFSA is currently assessing the risks associated with the ingestion of HCA. This assessment could lead to restrictions or even a ban on this substance and plant preparations containing it, including Garcinia cambogia Desr.
Beyond the specific case of Garcinia cambogia Desr., ANSES emphasises the need to harmonise, at European level, lists of plants, parts of plants, uses and authorised doses in food supplements, as well as restrictions and warnings governing their use.
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Going further
Food supplements, the need for informed consumption
France is seeing increasing consumption of food supplements, which are concentrates of nutrients, plants or other substances. Whether they are intended for slimming, relieving stress, boosting energy, or for athletes, these products are often perceived as harmless but can in some cases expose consumers to health risks. Who uses them? Are they necessary for certain populations? How can we limit the health risks?