A critical analysis of the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature related to Herbalife (r) products

Authors

  • Flávio Ailton Duque Zambrone Planitox-The Science-based Toxicology Company
  • Cristiana Leslie Corrêa Planitox-The Science-based Toxicology Company
  • Ligia Mesquita Sampaio do Amaral Planitox-The Science-based Toxicology Company

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-82502015000400004

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature, attributed to the consumption of Herbalife(r) products, and to determine whether a causal relationship exists between the reported cases of liver injury and the use of these products. A literature search was performed on the PubMed, LILACS and PAHO databases. Seven publications reporting a total of 53 cases of hepatotoxicity linked to the use of Herbalife(r) products were retrieved. All of the studies lacked sufficient information to some degree, whether related to patients' history, concomitant use of medication and/or other compounds (including alcohol), observations on interrupted use (dechallenge), results found with markers, viral serology and autoantibodies or observations concerning re-exposure to the products. In addition to these items, the lack of clear information on the type of products evaluated and their respective composition is an important factor to be considered. Furthermore, data quality was also questionable due to the presence of confounding factors, absence of proper exclusion of alternative explanations, and the use of questionable methods for attributing causality. Hence, an association between hepatotoxicity and consumption of these products cannot be proven based on the data collected and rigorous scientific analysis.

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Published

2015-12-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

A critical analysis of the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature related to Herbalife (r) products . (2015). Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 51(4), 785-796. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-82502015000400004