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| The slimming herbal capsules found to have caused lead poisoning in a woman |
The Centre for Health Protection has warned the public not to buy or consume a certain herbal product manufactured in Nepal and labelled as “Garcinia Cambogia” after a 62-year-old woman who consumed it was found to have suffered lead poisoning.
The carginia cambogia is a tropical fruit which is popular
among people trying to lose weight, and can be purchased online, or at drug stores.
Unsubstantiated claims say it blocks the body’s ability to make fat, and leads
to a loss of appetite.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
According to the CHP, a report from the Hospital Authority indicated the woman lost her appetite in late September, and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Jordan from October 12 to 18.
She was diagnosed with lead poisoning after a blood test
revealed she had a high blood lead level together with anaemia and liver
impairment.
The patient was readmitted to hospital on October 24 but has
since been discharged.
An investigation by the CHP revealed the patient had
consumed the herbal product labelled as "Garcinia Cambogia" for
several months. She bought this product from an overseas online shop.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
Tests carried out by the government laboratory showed that
the product contains lead. The government of Nepal, which is where the product
was manufactured according to its label, has been asked to conduct a follow-up investigation.
The CHP’s investigation continues.
In a statement, the health body said, "Lead has no
essential function in man, but has a number of adverse effects. Acute exposure
to high doses of lead may cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Chronic exposure
to lead, depending on the lead level inside the body, is associated with a wide
range of health effects, including neurodevelopmental effects, anaemia, high
blood pressure, gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired renal function and
neurological impairment.”
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The CHP called on people who are taking the product to stop
consuming it immediately, and to consult healthcare professionals as soon as
possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt.
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