Many Asian nations have long consumed green tea. It contains components that may increase metabolism, and you may find it sometimes on the ingredient lists of certain natural diet pills. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports, however, that studies have produce mixed results and any benefit is likely modest at the most. Using green tea in supplement form may pose risks not present when consuming it in its natural state, and using green tea diet pills may pose a danger to people of any age, with children and teenagers potentially being more susceptible to the risks of herbal supplements.
Lack of Testing in Teenagers
MayoClinic.com advises against the use of herbal supplements in anyone under the age of 18. For the most part, these supplements have not been studied in children and teenagers, making it difficult to know if these substances would produce any negative effects specific to this population or if observed negative effects in adults would be magnified in younger people.
Unregulated Supplement Industry
Dietary supplements, such as natural diet pills, are not subject to the same rules of production as are prescription drugs, explains registered nurse Linda Helper, writing for MyOverweightChild.com. This means a particular supplement may have more of the stated active ingredient, contain other ingredients not listed on the label or be contaminated with lead or other dangerous substances. Natural diet pills in particular may be problematic in this regard. An article published in the ‘’New York Times’’ in February 2009 reports that testing by the Food and Drug Administration uncovered dozens of natural diet pills that were laced with prescription drugs.
Side Effects of Green Tea Supplements
Case reports suggest green tea supplements may cause liver damage or even complete failure, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Green tea diet pills in particular tend to contain high amounts of caffeine, as this combination is what appears to prompt weight loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, irritability, dizziness, heart palpitations and dizziness.
These diet pills may contain other ingredients, such as other herbs touted for weight loss. Like green tea, these other natural substances may pose risks in specific instances.
Other Safety Considerations
Green tea supplements may prove dangerous if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart conditions, psychological disorders -- anxiety in particular -- or stomach ulcers. Do not use green tea supplements if you take the blood-thinning drug warfarin, anti-anxiety medications, MAO-inhibitors or medications to treat high blood pressure.
References
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Green Tea
- Mayoclinic.com: Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- MyOverweightChild.com; What About Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills?; Linda Hepler, R.N., B.S.N.
- ''New York Times''; F.D.A. Finds 'Natural' Diet Pills Laced with Drugs; February 2009
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