Excessive laxatives found in 5 'skinny teas'

Five of the products were found to contain an excessive amount of Sennosides. These are Pao Hsien-mei Herbal Skinny Tea (寶纖美草本纖體茶), Herbal Smile Tea (洛卡纖茶), Pao's Enzyme (寶的酵素), Pretty Skinny Tea (漂亮美姿茶) and Pretty Skinny 3-1 (三合一纖麗組).

According to DOH, a product containing over 12 mg of Sennosides per daily intake needs to be listed as a medication instead of as a food product. All five products contain more than 12 mg, but are sold as food products, said Chaing.

Long-term usage of Sennosides can lead to nutrient depletion and dehydration from continuous diarrhea. In more severe cases, Acute Renal Failure could occur.

The majority of “skinny teas” create temporary weight loss by forcing water fluid and nutrients out through diarrhea, said Chaing.

Other products also violated the Medicine Affairs Act by applying ambiguous messages on the packages such as “reducing appetite” or “a healthier figure.” She added DOH will fine the product-makers for violating the regulation.

Siennosides is a commonly prescribed laxative in the form of powders, tablets and liquids, prescribed to ease constipation.

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