SlimQuick Pure Extra Strength, an herbal weight-loss supplement, contains green tea extract. Although it claims to be an “antioxidant,” SlimQuick actually contains high doses of EGCG, a toxic pro-oxidant flavinoid in tea that has been associated with severe liver toxicity, heart problems, and other severe side effects.
Need a Texas SlimQuick Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by SlimQuick, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is SlimQuick?
SlimQuick® Pure, distributed by Wellnx Life Sciences, is an herbal weight-loss supplement containing green tea extract. It claims to help users lose weight, increase metabolism, reduce appetite, boost energy, reduce stress, and more.
Does SlimQuick Contain EGCG?
Yes. SlimQuick contains BioPure Green Tea Extract™ (Camellia sinensis leaf), which contains 45% EGCG. This ingredient, also known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is a flavonoid in tea that is found in many supplements.
What is the problem?
Green Tea Extract and its principal active ingredient, EGCG, are gaining attention due to their potentially toxic liver effects. Health authorities in France and Spain have banned EGCG products due to liver failure. One of the most popular weight-loss supplements, Hydroxycut, was an EGCG product that was recalled in 2009 due to liver toxicity and other life-threatening side effects.
Is SlimQuick All Natural?
SlimQuick is advertised as containing “natural ingredients like antioxidants, and BioPure Green Tea” with a wide range of health benefits. While many Green Tea Extract products claim to be natural, some actually contain synthetic EGCG or large quantities of extracted EGCG at doses much higher than is naturally found in the plant.
Woman on SlimQuick Develops Liver Toxicity
In April 2012, the World Journal of Hepatology published a study linking SlimQuick and severe liver toxicity in a 23 year-old woman who took the product for three months while preparing for a marathon.
The major ingredient in SlimQuick caplets is green tea extract containing 135-mg of EGCG. Researchers warned that high doses of EGCG can be toxic. What’s more, the woman used SlimQuick while fasting on a low-calorie diet. These factors, combined with a genetic risk-factor, increased her vulnerability to severe liver damage.
Liver Risks
- Acute liver injury
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Liver failure
- Liver transplant
Symptoms of Liver Damage
Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.
Study Links EGCG and Heart Problems
In 2010, a study published in Journal of Pharmacy Practice reported the case of a 63 year-old obese caucasian women who developed atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) after taking Hydroxycut with EGCG for two weeks.
Researchers warned:
“EGCG blocks the atrial-specific KCNA5 potassium channel. Loss of KCNA5 function has been reported in patients with familial lone AF [atrial fibrillation]. Thus, causal relationship between hydroxycut and AF in this patient is probable. Given the serious risks associated with AF, patients at risk of developing AF should avoid dietary supplements containing EGCG until more information on the adverse effects of EGCG is known.”
SlimQuick Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
August 2011 — Law360 reported that a multi-district litigation (MDL) involving several SlimQuick class action lawsuits was settled. The defendant, Wellnx Life Sciences, agreed to offer a refund to consumers who purchased the product. Plaintiffs allege that SlimQuick was illegally marketed with false or misleading advertising claims.
If You Were Injured
Despite these life-threatening risks, EGCG is still a popular ingredient in weight-loss supplements and many other products. Major retailers continue to sell products like SlimQuick. If you were not aware of the risk of side effects from SlimQuick with EGCG, you are not alone.
The Clark Firm, LLP specializes in helping victims of defective dietary supplements seek compensation and justice from manufacturers. We always review cases for free. In most circumstances, we also provide legal representation on contingency-fee. Contact us today for information.
Need a SlimQuick Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas SlimQuick lawyers for a free lawsuit review.