After mako exposé: Ministry of Health warns against "magic honey"
Following mako Health's report on nine women suffering severe side effects from "magic honey," the Ministry of Health has issued an official warning, confirming the product contains the banned substance sibutramine, which poses life-threatening risks.
A week after the mako Health exposé, in which several women reported unusual side effects after using "magic honey"—with three requiring emergency medical care—the Ministry of Health has issued an official warning today (Tuesday) against the product. Laboratory tests confirmed that the item, also marketed as "honey for weight loss," contains sibutramine, a medicinal substance not approved for sale in Israel and known to cause serious, potentially life-threatening health complications.
Following the initial report, the Ministry of Health launched an investigation and has now issued a public alert. Officials emphasized that no registered preparations in Israel contain this substance. Consuming sibutramine without medical supervision can lead to unknown dosages, resulting in increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, heart attacks, strokes, and psychiatric disorders. The ministry noted that there have been previous cases in Israel of hospitalizations linked to counterfeit products containing this substance.
In our investigative report last week, nine women described symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and extreme fatigue. Shirel, 25, from the Krayot, recalled how she felt after using the product: "I was sure I was having a heart attack." Despite undergoing blood tests, an ECG, and a chest X-ray at a Clalit urgent care center, no immediate abnormalities were found, yet her symptoms persisted with continued use.
Agam, 22, from the North, shared a similar experience: "Only after seeing your report and the reactions of other women did I realize there was a connection to everything I was feeling." She visited the Ziv Medical Center emergency room twice due to persistent weakness and tachycardia.
The Ministry of Health urges the public to avoid purchasing medicines, nutritional supplements, or health products via social media, messaging groups, or unverified websites, advising consumers to stick to licensed pharmacies. For those seeking weight loss, the ministry recommends consulting a licensed nutritionist, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
