Experts have cast doubt on the veracity of claims of potency of breast-enhancing products.
In one way or another, all these products carry claims that they possess the function of promoting breast growth, uplifting and enlarging the breasts.
The Consumer Council has conducted a study on the labelled ingredients and claims of 11 samples available to consumers in the market. These preparations are taken either orally or externally or both.
The study sought the expert opinion of professionals drawn from the medical (both Chinese and western medicine practitioners), pharmaceutical and nutritional fields.
Their comments and advice were much less than reassuring to the consumers of breast-enhancing preparations. All questioned the claimed effectiveness of the products.
According to the Chinese medicine practitioners, there is currently no sufficient scientific evidence or pharmacological trial to substantiate the effect on breast enhancement of the ingredients listed on these products.
Also Chinese medicines should be prescribed according to the diagnosis of the malady and physical condition of an individual, varying from one to another.
This view is reinforced by the western medical profession which points out that other than physical operation, there is no known drug or other means that could enlarge the breasts.
The pharmaceutical expert also agreed that currently no drug exists to enlarge the breasts. Though oestrogen could make the breast firmer, this condition will not last long and will disappear when the person stops taking the drug.
Women are advised not to use oestrogen for breast-enlargement as recent studies proved that prolonged taking of oestrogen may increase the risk of stroke.
Good nutrition, a balanced diet and regular exercise during puberty might have a positive effect on breast development, according to expert nutritional advice. However, the chance for marked increase in breast size is limited after puberty.
The Consumer Council has also sought clinical experiment data of these products from their agents. But only four agents of six products provided such data.
On the basis of the information which the Council received from the agents, it could not be determined if they were well-controlled clinical experiment reports or if they had been published in medical or scientific journals.
Some products bear the claims of "Food and Drug Administration, U.S.A. Inspection Certificate Numberxxxxxx-xxxxxxx" or "Manufactured by FDA approved GMP manufacturer. Registration number:xxxxxxx".
In reply to the Council's query, the FDA stressed that "Neither the fact that a food/dietary supplement firm has registered with FDA, nor that it has been inspected by FDA, means that a product is safe, that its claims are supported by adequate science, or that the product is of adequate quality, purity, or potency". Consumers are advised to give it thorough consideration before making the decision to use the products.
The Council has drawn the attention of the Department of Health to these products to ensure that they are regulated under the prevailing legislations.
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