FDA Warns Against Use of Weight Loss Supplement
The agency advises against using Demograss Premier, which contains a hidden chemical linked to an increased cancer risk.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Nutrition
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The FDA has issued a safety warning against using the weight loss product Demograss Premier after laboratory testing revealed it contains the unlisted ingredient phenolphthalein. Individuals who have used this product should monitor their health and report any adverse reactions to federal health officials.
Why it matters
The presence of phenolphthalein poses a serious safety concern as it is not an approved drug ingredient in the United States and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. This advisory serves to protect public health by identifying hidden risks in products marketed for weight loss.
An FDA laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of phenolphthalein in the weight loss supplement Demograss Premier. This chemical is not currently approved for use in any medication in the United States due to data suggesting it may increase cancer risk.
The players
FDA
The federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and supplements to protect public health.
Demograss Premier
A weight loss product sold online that was found to contain an unlisted, potentially dangerous chemical.
The details
Demograss Premier is marketed online for weight loss, but it contains phenolphthalein, a chemical that acts as a laxative and was once used in over-the-counter products before being pulled due to safety concerns. Because the ingredient is not listed on the product label, consumers may be unaware they are ingesting a substance that has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects in research. The FDA identifies this as a significant health risk to the public.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The FDA issued the consumer safety notification regarding the product.
Health Landscape
This action highlights the ongoing challenge of identifying hidden, potentially harmful substances in unregulated weight loss supplements sold online. It follows the established protocols of the FDA MedWatch program to identify and publicize risks associated with unapproved ingredients.
If you have purchased Demograss Premier, stop using it immediately and consult your physician regarding any potential symptoms. You can also report any health issues you experienced after using the product to the FDA using the MedWatch system.
The takeaway
Consumers should be cautious of supplements marketed online that do not list all ingredients or lack clear manufacturing documentation. Anyone who has used this product can report adverse reactions by calling 1-800-FDA-0178 to fax a report to the FDA.
Further reading
For more information on safely evaluating dietary products, visit the Nutrition section.
More information
To report adverse events, submit a report through the MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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