Banned substance present in weight loss, erectile dysfunction products

The administration on Thursday said four samples of the coffee product “Max Health Go Coffee” product contained sibutramine, an appetite suppressant.

Just three days prior, the administration had issued a warning about three other food products containing banned substances: “Giam tao slim ho tro giam beo” (Apple cider vinegar to assist with weight loss) containing sibutramine, and “Bo hoan duong plus” and “Stony bo than trang duong tang cuong sinh luc” (both supplements to help with erectile dysfunction) containing sildenafil.

Both sibutramine and sildenafil are banned substances in food supplements. Sibutramine can cause headaches, back pain, allergies and could be dangerous if used by those with cardiovascular conditions, while sildenafil can only be used with a doctor’s prescription.

Therefore, the administration advises people not to purchase such products, and report them to authorities should they find one.

Cases of side effects caused by consuming food products with banned substances have been recorded before. Last month, a 37-year-old woman was admitted to Bach Mai Hospital after consuming a coffee product for weight loss. She showed symptoms like difficulty breathing, lowered body temperature and was comatose. The product she had used was later revealed to contain sibutramine.