A slimming supplement, Lida Daidaihua, is currently invading the Ivorian market. Lida is the country’s top-selling product and is said to promise rapid and effective weight loss (up to 6kg in one week). Even if its results have been proven effective, little information is available as to how it is manufactured. Some experts think it is made in China whilst others think it comes from Vietnam. Moreover, Lida contains certain ingredients such as citrus aurantium and senna, both of which can have dangerous and even fatal side effects. Citrus aurantium can create, amongst others, hypertension and heart problems. Senna, for its part, can act as a very strong laxative and can lead to dehydration if taken for too long. Unfortunately, one death and several hospital cases have already been reported. Several countries have already issued warnings against this slimming supplement. Some, like Germany, have even prohibited it from sale. Ivorian authorities must take action.
