Warning: Grapefruit Could Interfere with Your Medications

Brits are being cautioned about the hidden dangers lurking in their fruit bowls, as experts warn that certain healthy foods could clash with vital medications.

In England, a staggering 5.3 million people were prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins or ezetimibe by GPs in 2023-3, marking an all-time high and a notable jump from the previous year. With an estimated 7-8 million adults in the UK relying on statins, they've become a linchpin in thwarting cardiovascular diseases.

Yet, Dipa Kamdar, a senior lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University, has raised the alarm over the risks of grapefruit for those on specific medications. In an article for The Conversation, Kamdar cautions: \"While there are many benefits that can come from following a healthier diet, it's important that any diet changes are made carefully. This is especially true if you're someone who takes a prescription drug, as many health food staples can negatively interact with them.\"

Ms Kamdar further elucidates the peril of grapefruit juice, noting: \"To break down some prescription drugs in the body, the liver uses enzymes called cytochrome P450. But grapefruit juice contains chemical compounds called furanocoumarins which can block the action of these enzymes. If this happens, some drugs can accumulate in the body.\"

Grapefruit juice, a seemingly innocuous breakfast staple, could spell disaster for those on certain medications, warns a health expert. \"This includes ciclosporin, a drug that's commonly used to prevent organ transplant rejection and manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and skin conditions such as psoriasis. A build-up of ciclosporin can cause many side-effects, ranging from mild nausea and vomiting to kidney and liver damage.\"

According to the source: Daily Express.