Are Hoodia lollipops safe?
Asked by forme22 on Jan 12, 2009
in Alternative & Integrative Nutrition
My best friend loves Power Pops, a lollipop with Hoodia in it. She eats them all the time so I tried one and really liked it, but I am a little nervous about their safety. The "diet" that they are supposed to be a part of seems ludacris to me. You're supposed to eat them almost constantly to suppress your appetite, which I think sounds unsafe. However, I would LOVE to have one on the commute home from work, just to make sure that I make it to dinner! Would using them in moderation be ok? Do you think they are unsafe?
Answer
Hoodia seems to suppress the appetite but the effect is not backed by published scientific evidence and questions of safety have not been answered. Some experts think that Hoodia might affect liver and kidney function and may also interact with other medications. Hoodia is not approved by the FDA and most doctors advise against using it. Hoodia gordonii is a spiny succulent plant used by the Bushmen of Southern Africa to suppress hunger during long hunting trips. Hoodia is sold in the form of lollipops as well as capsules, tablets, chewing gum, soft chews, tinctures, shakes, and snack bars. Read more about Hoodia from the Guide to Alternative Medicine at About.com.
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