29
Side Effects of Supplements with Insufficient Human
Data to Confirm Consistent, Clinically Meaningful,
Long-term Weight Loss
Intervention Side Effects Description
Berberine Nausea, diarrhea,
constipation, and
abdominal pain.
Alkaloid extract f rom
plants such as Berberis
vulguris (barberry).
Chitosan Nausea, indigestion,
bloating, flatulence,
constipation, and
possible allergic
reactions.
Derived from chitin, a
component of crustacean/
arthropod exoskeletons
(starch similar to cellulose),
chitosan has both insoluble
and soluble properties.
Forskolin Indigestion, hypotension
with lightheadedness,
syncope, blurred vision,
nausea, pale skin, and
fatigue.
Extract f rom mint family/
Coleus forskohlii
Garcinia
Cambogia
Headache, nausea,
mania, and possible rare
cases of liver toxicity.
Small green f ruit extract
containing hydroxycitric
acid.
Glucomannan Bloating, flatulence
and soft stools. Tablets
may cause esophageal
obstruction.
Hemicellulose
polysaccharide soluble
fiber f rom roots of the
elephant yam.
Glucosinolates High doses may
cause goiter and
hypothyroidism.
Thioesters containing
sulfur (mustard family)
Hoodia
gordonii (P57)
Increased blood
pressure and pulse,
headache, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting.
Succulent plant consumed
by Bushmen in South
Af rica to reduce hunger.
Irvingia
gabonensis
Flatulence, headache,
sleep disturbances.
Seeds f rom Af rican
mango/soluble fiber
Raspberry
ketones
Raspberry eructation
(burps)
Extracted f rom raspberries
5-hydroxy-
trypotophan
Gastrointestinal
symptoms and possible
interactions with
serotonergic drugs.
Amino acid intermediate
in the biosynthesis of
serotonin, may be derived
f rom seeds of the Af rican
Giffonia simplicifolia.
