Situation of Adulteration of Weight Loss Substance in Dietary Supplements Sold in Stores and Online

Abstract

Currently, there is an increasing trend to take dietary supplements, resulting in more production and widely distribution. Although there are supervision to ensure the quality and standard of this products, a problem with drug smuggling was still exist. To make the product meet the claims and satisfy consumer as the intended results being achieved quickly, the prohibited drug were occasionally added. According to the surveillance data of drug adulteration in dietary supplements of the Department of Medical Sciences during 2013 - 2016, there were still adulteration of diet pills and appetite suppressants. Thus, in fiscal year 2020, the Regional Medical Sciences Center 10, Ubon Ratchathani, studied the adulteration situation of weight loss substance in dietary supplements claiming to lose weight to know the situation and be the information that will be used for surveillance including to support consumer protection providing people with safe products. A total number of 167 samples (118 sold in store, 49 sold online) were collected and analyzed, off 167 samples, weight loss substances were found in 30 samples (17.9%). We also found that this substance was higher identified in online sale (30.6%; 15/49) than that of store sale (12.9%: 15/118). The situation of drug smuggling of weight loss substance in the dietary supplements claiming to lose weight sold online are more severe than that of store sources. The most common harmful substance found were sibutramine, followed by locarserin. Thus, the relevant authorities should consistency monitor, control, and strictly supervise the products, especially the one sold online.