The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews dietary supplements differently than food and drug products. Manufacturers of green coffee bean extract and other supplements are not required to obtain FDA approval.
The agency makes sure the supplements are safe for distribution and that any claims are not false or misleading. The FDA will take action against companies if products are found to be adulterated or misbranded.
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Some manufacturers state their green coffee bean extract supplements are manufactured in FDA registered laboratories. From that point, consumers are pretty much on their own. The FDA will investigate or recall products if supplements have received a number of complaints regarding health issues.
"I think that's a little bit backward," says Dr. Holly Lofton, assistant professor of the weight management program at New York University Langone Medical Center. Many health experts and activists believe the FDA should take a more active role, the same way they do with drugs.
"Essentially, you don't know what's in these (supplements),"
Lofton tells Fox News.
Dr. Mehmet Oz promoted the green coffee bean extract on his TV show for its weight loss capabilities. Research he cited for the supplement's effectiveness included a study later retracted by the authors because they couldn't verify the data.
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Dr. Lofton said taking supplements should be considered on an individual basis. People would do better by consulting their doctor about taking supplements instead of relying on the "good intention from a doctor on TV."
Proponents of green coffee bean extract note that the supplement hasn't caused serious side effects. Many weight loss drugs have had adverse effects. Any controversy on the extract centers on the effectiveness for weight loss.
The short-term studies on green coffee bean extract suggest a connection to the chlorogenic acid contents, which boost metabolism and help absorb fat from food, according to
Keri Gans, a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Long-term reviews are needed to validate the weight loss claims.
Coffee beans contain caffeine, which has side effects, such as insomnia, restlessness, nervousness and increased heart rate, when consumed in excess.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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