A Western Australian man has undergone an emergency liver transplant to save his life after consuming weight-loss products.
ABC News reported that the man, Matthew Whitby said he had been given two weeks to live after taking a protein powder containing green tea extract and a supplement with garcinia cambogia fruit. Both are commonly used in weight-loss supplements. Apparently, this is not the first time that a green tea extract has been linked to liver failure in some people. Garcinia cambogia has also been linked to liver damage.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said it is investigating the incident as part of a review and will inform the public if there is sufficient evidence of a safety issue to warrant further action.
The TGA is responsible for ensuring therapeutic goods sold in Australia are safe. These include vitamin tablets and medicines purchased at supermarkets, pharmacies and other retailers.
By contrast, food regulation is enforced by State food regulators based on national food standards developed at Federal level by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
