Abu Dhabi's health department warns against a food supplement that can cause cancer

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has warned against the use of the "Weight Rapid Loss Capsule" food supplement, because it has the potential to cause cancer.

The product, which is oral capsules, is claimed to lead to weight loss.

The DoH explained that the results of the laboratory analysis of the product proved that it contains the undeclared banned substance “phenolphthalein,” which is classified by the US Food and Drug Administration, which is generally not recognised as safe and effective.

"In addition, the studies indicated that phenolphthalein showed potential carcinogenic risks," the DoH added.

It also said that phenolphthalein had been found toxic to genes as it can cause damage or mutations in the DNA. It further contains microbial growth above the permissible limits.

“This product is not registered with the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, but it has been proven to be circulated by sellers through the social platform (Instagram), and it can be purchased online through social media,” the DoH said.

The Department warns the public against the use of the aforementioned product and calls on health professionals to report any complaint regarding the quality of a product with medical claims or any side effects resulting from the use of the above-mentioned product via email: [email protected]