Compliance and composition of herbal weight loss supplements and in vitro analysis of their safety using 1H NMR spectroscopy

Herbal weight loss supplements (WLS) have become increasingly popular in recent years, however there is limited evidence to support their use. Regulation of herbal supplements by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is typically via a trust-based system, raising concerns for product composition, safety and overall quality. A growing number of these products have been implicated in cases of contamination, adulteration and toxicity, all of which can have serious consequences for consumers. Given the rise in WLS use, it is important to ensure these products are safe and consistent.