Risk Characterisation

This is a discussion paper. It does not reflect the views of the Committee. It should not be cited.

196.               The presence of HCA in food supplements is considered medicinal according to the UK MHRA (see paragraph 8). From the Brief market analysis described in the Exposure section it is clear that some products are medicinal.

197.               Data from nutrivigilance programs/schemes of authoritative bodies and literature have reported the following adverse effects following consumption of supplements containing G. cambogia: hepatic, digestive (pancreatitis), cardiac and muscular (rhabdomyolysis) damage, psychiatric, metabolic disorders, as well as drug-drug interactions. However, the mode of action of G. cambogia and its extracts have yet to be fully elucidated.