South Korea Issues Urgent Recall of Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Over Liver Damage Concerns

[medi K / HEALTH IN NEWS] South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on September 25 a nationwide recall of health supplements containing Garcinia cambogia extract, citing reports of liver damage linked to their use. While the products meet regulatory standards, authorities have flagged an elevated risk of liver injury, particularly when consumed after alcohol, prompting urgent action to protect consumers.

The recalled supplements will now carry new warning labels indicating the potential for liver damage and prohibiting use with alcohol. The decision, made after expert review, underscores growing concerns about the safety of dietary supplements, even those approved for sale.

Reports of Liver Damage Despite Regulatory Compliance

The supplements, marketed as health-functional foods in South Korea, passed all safety inspections for both ingredients and final products. However, real-world use revealed multiple cases of liver dysfunction among consumers. Authorities concluded that a causal link between the supplements and these incidents was likely, triggering the recall.

In medical terms, hepatitis—inflammation of the liver—can stem from various causes, including viruses, medications, dietary supplements, and alcohol. The liver’s tendency to show no early symptoms makes such risks particularly insidious, as damage can progress silently.



Silent Progression of Liver Damage

Hepatitis manifests in acute and chronic forms. Acute hepatitis may present with symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, low-grade fever, and jaundice, typically resolving within six months. However, if untreated, it can progress to chronic hepatitis, potentially leading to severe complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, which require complex, long-term treatment.

Dietary Supplements: Not Without Risks

The popularity of health-functional foods, a category in South Korea encompassing products like vitamins, red ginseng, probiotics, and those marketed for weight loss or stress relief, has surged in recent years. These products are often exchanged as gifts during holidays like the Lunar New Year or Chuseok, a major Korean harvest festival, reflecting their cultural significance as gestures of care. However, their similarity to pharmaceuticals demands caution.

“Even health supplements can impact the liver,” said Dr. Kyung-Hoon Kim, a gastroenterologist at Ulsan Eliya Hospital. “Consumers must check for interactions with medications or other supplements and avoid exceeding recommended doses.”

Dr. Kim also warned against relying on unproven remedies or supplements, even for those without pre-existing liver conditions. “If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention promptly,” he urged.



Consumer Guidelines: Verify and Report

The Ministry advises consumers to check for its certification mark on health-functional foods and to understand that these products are intended for supplemental, not therapeutic, use. Individuals with chronic illnesses or those taking medications should consult their physicians before use.

Consumers can access safety information and report adverse effects through South Korea’s Food Safety Information Portal, available online or by phone.

The recall highlights a broader need for vigilance as dietary supplements gain global popularity. For now, South Korean authorities are prioritizing consumer safety while urging the public to approach these products with informed caution.

Lim Hye Jung / press@themedik.kr

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