The only hoodia problems lie in the fact that clinical research has not been completed at this time. There is no known hoodia danger, no unwanted side effects reported, but subsequent phases of clinical research by Phytopharm may include warnings about possible interactions with drugs or health problems. Regretfully, clinical research does not always cover every medication or medical condition and reports suggest that research funded by drug companies is not always as accurate as it should be, leaning more in the companies favor, more often. This is why an individual’s doctor is the most important person to consult whenever beginning to use any new supplement, particularly when there is an existing medical condition.
Hoodia supplement labeling indicates that only those who are in reasonably good health should use hoodia gordonii. This does not mean that there are any known hoodia problems or hoodia danger, but the unknown can be a sort of danger. It is intended to impress dieters with the importance of consulting their doctors before they use any new supplement, not just hoodia gordonii.
There is no history of hoodia problems among the San people of southern Africa. They are the people that originally brought hoodia gordonii to the attention of scientists studying “bush food” in South Africa. They certainly did not believe that there was any hoodia danger. They ate the plant, though it was not a preferred food. They did not eat it very often. This raises concerns about hoodia problems that could arise from long term use as an appetite suppressant. It might take an individual with 50 extra pounds nearly six months to lose the weight. Results of course vary, depending on the diet and exercise program that a person is able to use in addition to hoodia gordonii. This could be a potential hoodia danger, if someone continues to use it for long periods of time. No one knows.
Scientists studying laboratory animals have encountered no hoodia problems. We have not been warned by them about any hoodia danger. Phytopharm states that the purified hoodia gordonii extract which they use in there studies has acceptable levels of safety. No one knows if this information can be applied to the weight loss supplements that are currently on the market. The accepted recommendation is: If a person visits their doctor to obtain a clean bill of health and then visits their doctor occasionally while using the product, any hoodia problems should be noticed. For individuals who are not under the age of 18, not pregnant or breastfeeding, who have their doctor’s approval, choosing a 100% hoodia gordonii appetite suppressant is generally believed to be safer than choosing a hoodia herb combo. It is unknown if hoodia problems could arise as a result of using it in combination with natural stimulants. The San did not drink green tea.
For more information about hoodia problems, visit the Hoodia Info Blog.
Patsy Hamilton is an editor of the Hoodia Info Blog. Visit us at http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com