An Advisory from Health Sciences Authority  

In supplementing our health, we should never go for something that might endanger us. This is the primary goal of the Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The agency serves as the ear and eyes of Singaporeans when it comes to safe supplements. If we are uncertain of a particular Western medicine or any supplements, we can go to HSA and inquire.

We can also check the website of the agency because they provide advisories especially for supplements that might put us in great risk. HSA makes the public aware of health products that are banned through press releases. Recently, the agency identified eight products that are not allowed here. The products are sold for its weight loss, muscle building and energy boosting properties. We have to be wary of the following products:

• Skinny 22”
• Nutrex Research Lipo 6 Black Ultra Concentrate
• BSN N.O. – Xplode 2.0 Advanced Strength
• Nutrex Research Lipo 6 Unlimited
• Xenadrine XT Xtreme Thermogenic
• Primaforce Yohimbine HCL
• Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite
• Muscletech Neurocore Grape/Muscletech Neurocore Fruit Punch

HSA warned that these products might result to adverse reactions if taken. It can also interact with other medications consumers are taking. Actually, seven of the eight products contain Yohimbine (which can cause insomnia, sweating, blurred vision, chest pain, palpitation and high blood pressure), Raubasine (which can cause dizziness, confusion, irregular heartbeat and discomfort), Vinpocetine (which can cause headache, irregular heartbeat, sleep disturbances, facial flushing and insomnia) and Deanol (which can cause itching, constipation, headache and restlessness). As for Skinny 22”, it contains Phenolphthalein which can cause difficulty in breathing, abdominal cramps, rashes and worse, kidney disorders.

Anyone who is still selling these products is subject for criminal prosecution. If found selling, the person may be fined for up to S$10,000 or jail time of two years. The worse thing is both can happen if found guilty. This is according to the Poisons Act. According to the Medicines Act, anyone who is found selling may be fined for up to S$5,000 or jail time of two years or both.

For those who consumed the products and feel that there is something wrong, they should go and see their doctors right away because they might suffer some reactions that are life-threatening. As for the others who are not stopping, they have to be reminded that it is always safe and best to consider the natural way. If they want to lose weight and look slim, they should not depend on pills or medicines, instead sweat everything out. They should rely more on hard work than pills.