SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Friday (Nov 18) warned the public against buying or taking weight loss product VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex as it contains very high levels of sibutramine, a banned substance in Singapore.
In a media release, HSA said the product’s label states it contains only natural ingredients, including fruit and herbal extracts, but contains sibutramine as well as another undeclared western medicine, phenolphthalein.
VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex claims it only contains natural ingredients. (Photos: HSA)
HSA said sibutramine is a weight loss medicine that has been disallowed for sale in Singapore since 2010, due to “serious safety concerns associated with cardiovascular risks”. Before its ban, it was a prescription medicine used as an appetite suppressant to manage obesity, it said.
“The high levels of sibutramine detected in VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex could make it very toxic and cause serious adverse effects such as heart attacks and seizures,” HSA said, adding that several consumers have reported experiencing hallucinations or hearing voices after consuming other health products with high levels of sibutramine.
“Other possible adverse effects include high blood pressure, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, depression and mood swings,” it warned.
The authority added that in Singapore, there have not been any adverse reports associated with VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex, but the use of other slimming products with high levels of sibutramine have led consumers to be hospitalised, both locally and overseas.
The other undeclared ingredient in the product, phenolphthalein, was used as a laxative previously, but has not been registered in Singapore since 2011. Phenolphthalein can cause rashes, abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties, kidney disorders and has been found in animal studies to be associated with cancer, HSA said.
VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex is sold on several websites and popular social media platforms, HSA added, and claims to to deliver “immediate changes after around seven days and significant results in 21 days”.
It advised members of the public to:
- Stop taking VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex immediately and consult a doctor if feeling unwell, or have health concerns
- Be wary of health products that promise quick and miraculous weight loss, or carry exaggerated claims like “guaranteed results” or “scientifically proven”, as such products may contain prescription medicines which should only be taken under medical supervision, or undeclared potent ingredients that could seriously harm one’s health
- Do not trust online product reviews, as testimonials cannot usually be verified
- Exercise caution when purchasing health products online. Products sold could potentially be counterfeits or adulterated with undeclared potent ingredients
Sellers should also stop selling VIP Bio Mangosteen Complex immediately, HSA said, as it is illegal to sell and supply complementary health products such as health supplements and traditional supplements containing undeclared potent western medicines or banned substances.
“Anyone convicted of selling illegal health products may be liable for prosecution under the Health Products Act, Poisons Act and/or Medicines Act. Offenders will face a penalty fine of up to S$100,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to three years under the Health Products Act; a penalty fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Poisons Act and a penalty fine of up to S$5,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Medicines Act,” HSA said.
HSA also encouraged members of the public to visit www.healthdangers.sg to learn more about the dangers of buying illegal health products from suspicious sources.
