How dangerous are the banned substances in Ngân 98's collagen pills?
The two banned substances, sibutramine and phenolphthalein, found in Ngân 98's collagen tablets, can cause cardiovascular disorders, increased blood pressure, liver and kidney damage, and pose a potential risk of cancer.
News of DJ Ngan 98 (real name Vo Thi Ngoc Ngan) being temporarily detained has caused a stir in public opinion. She is the operator of ZuBu Trading and Service Company Limited and ZuBu shop, a business that produces and sells beauty products, including collagen weight loss pills.
The results of the forensic examination from the Institute of Criminal Science - Ministry of Public Security determined that many of the unit's products did not meet quality standards and were classified as counterfeit goods.
More worryingly, some samples contained two banned substances, sibutramine and phenolphthalein, which have been removed from pharmaceuticals for many years due to their high toxicity, potentially causing cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, and even cancer.
Sibutramine: A weight-loss drug banned for causing cardiovascular disorders.
According to Dr. Doan Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Vascular Disease Association, the detection of sibutramine in collagen tablets is very dangerous.
This substance was once used in weight-loss drugs because it can inhibit the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that help create feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. However, this mechanism also causes the heart to beat faster, blood pressure to rise, and blood vessels to constrict, putting users at risk of stroke or heart failure.
In Vietnam, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) completely banned the active ingredient sibutramine in 2010, stopped granting import licenses, and ordered the recall of all drugs containing this ingredient in April 2011.
Nevertheless, sibutramine is still often secretly mixed into fast-acting weight loss products because it can help people lose weight quickly in a short period of time.
According to Dr. Manh, the harmful effects of sibutramine do not occur immediately but accumulate gradually over time. When blood vessels narrow, the heart has to work harder, leading to increased pressure and damage to the heart muscle.
People with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart rhythm disorders may experience serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
Alarmingly, most users don't recognize the early signs of danger because they still feel healthy and may even believe the medication is working.
Phenolphthalein: A carcinogen formerly used in laxatives.
Not only sibutramine, but also phenolphthalein, a chemical previously used in laxatives, was found in the collagen product that Ngan 98 sells. This substance has been banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because it is cytotoxic and has the potential to cause genetic mutations, leading to cancer.
Phenolphthalein works by strongly stimulating bowel movements, causing users to have frequent bowel movements and leading to rapid weight loss.
However, this mechanism has many dangerous consequences: prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and especially a decrease in blood potassium levels. When potassium levels drop too low, the heart muscle is affected, leading to arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and sudden cardiac arrest.
Furthermore, phenolphthalein can overload the liver and kidneys in the detoxification process, potentially leading to liver and kidney failure in the long term without the user even knowing.
According to Doctor Doan Du Manh, collagen only supports the structure of skin, hair, and joints; it absolutely does not help with weight loss or instant skin whitening. Therefore, products advertised as simultaneously beautifying and weight-loss, or promising quick results after just a few days, should be considered a dangerous warning sign.
He advised consumers to only choose products with safety certifications from relevant authorities. He also cautioned against purchasing goods online or from individuals of unknown origin.
If you experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, persistent diarrhea, or insomnia, stop using the product immediately and seek prompt medical attention.
