In its February issue, the independent medical journal Prescribe is worried about the heart risks caused by taking dietary supplements based onbitter orange, labeled as Citrus aurantium.
According to the review, it is the synephrine contained in bitter orange peel that acts as a cardiovascular stimulant, and impacts heart health.
On his site, Prescribe specifies that “in France, this plant has been banned for prescription, and in preparations for weight loss, because of cardiovascular disorders to which it exposes. However, food supplements based on Citrus aurantium containing approximately 5 mg of synephrine per capsule are marketed. These are very easily accessible without a prescription in pharmacies and drugstores or even on the internet, without any particular restriction.
Between 2009 and 2013, the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) recorded 40 adverse reactions likely to be attributable to the consumption of food supplements containing Citrus aurantium. Among the 18 cases where the link has been proven, there are 4 cases of cardiovascular disorders, two of which infarction and two heart rhythm disorders (notably palpitations).
“These preparations have not proven their effectiveness and can expose the patient to risks to his health”, explained theHandles in a 2014 report. Especially since a poorly informed person risks combining them with a consumption of tea, coffee or sodas containing caffeine, which further increases blood pressure. Caffeine or green tea are themselves two other very popular slimming components that thrive in pharmacies or in supermarkets.
A risky compound that should not be put in everyone’s hands
In addition, ANSES strongly advises against the consumption of bitter orange supplements “by populations at increased risk of adverse effects (people under treatment in particular for hypertension, heart disease or depression), by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents. “She also believes that” such information should be explicitly brought to the attention of the consumer. “
ANSES also recommends not to consume supplements to synephrine during physical activities “due to possible effects on the blood pressure profile”. The National Health Security Agency recalls that “without specialized care and apart from situations where weight loss is medically justified, it is not recommended to undertake a slimming diet. “
In view of these worrying side effects, the review Prescribe has seen fit to advise against the use of bitter orange to lose weight: “food supplements based on Citrus aurantium have not been shown to be beneficial for losing weight, but they lead to serious cardiovascular disorders. Better to avoid consuming it. “
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