Executive Summary

Evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of hoodia gordonii as a weight loss ingredient "remains anecdotal and preliminary," ConsumerLab.com concludes in an Oct. 20 review article, citing the lack of a "scientific standard for assessing the quality of the ingredient." According to the group, "no one knows for certain how much hoodia should be taken" since no clinical trials have been published to determine an optimal dose that is safe and effective. "The market is ahead of the science," ConsumerLab President Tod Cooperman noted. The report warns that it is "uncertain which products on the market provide the authentic ingredient and whether they recommend an appropriate dose"...