Xango & Side Effects

Xango juice is made from the mangosteen fruit, which grows throughout Southeast Asia. Regarded as a miracle fruit that can treat every ailment under the sun, this fruit has not undergone extensive testing, and the Food and Drug Administration has administered warnings to makers of mangosteen products, including Xango, for making unsubstantiated health claims about their products. It appears safe to drink, but a lack of research makes it difficult to fully establish safety. As with any nutritional supplement, discuss use with your doctor first.

Effect on Blood Sugar

Mangosteen juice is high in sugar. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, consuming large amounts could lead to poor blood sugar control.

Medication Interactions

Mangosteen juice does not have any documented medication interactions, according to Drugs.com, but a lack of research means they might exist and they have just not been discovered yet. Do not assume because it is simply a fruit that it might not negatively interact with drugs. If you take medications, check with your doctor before using mangosteen products. This fruit contains a rich store of antioxidants and some concern exists regarding the effects of antioxidants on the actions of chemotherapy drugs. Discuss the use of mangosteen juice with your oncologist; you might not need to avoid it altogether, but your doctor might suggest timing your intake based on your schedule of treatment.

Case Report of Lactic Acidosis

EMedTV notes a case report of a man who suffered a severe episode of lactic acidosis possibly due to consuming mangosteen juice. He had been drinking a glass a day for one year. This potentially deadly condition causes overly acidic blood. Consumption of Xango juice was not established as the definitive cause. It is something to keep in mind, however. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, cold and blue extremities, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Other Considerations for Use

Preliminary testing shows mangosteen possesses some beneficial properties, but not enough evidence exists to conclusively establish any therapeutic benefit. As a fruit rich in a variety of nutrients, mangosteen might offer a source of good nutrition, but whether it would help treat or prevent disease remains unclear. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using Xango juice products; information is lacking on whether or not you can safely consume mangosteen. If you have any conditions that affect the functioning of your kidneys or liver, always clear the use of any supplement with your doctor.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Jul 18, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries