GOLO contraindications refer to specific situations, medical or health conditions in which the GOLO Release supplements should not be taken. This is because individuals with these conditions or who are on certain medications might experience adverse reactions when taking the GOLO supplements. For example, they might reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications or interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients or medicines.
When considering who should avoid GOLO release supplements, we can point to a 2012 study by H. H. Tsai from China Medical University. The study found that interactions and contraindications between herbs and dietary supplements, like those in GOLO, are common. Specifically, patients on Warfarin or other anticoagulants, as well as those on medications known to interact with magnesium, should exercise caution. Notably, Warfarin, insulin, aspirin, digoxin, and ticlopidine had the highest number of interactions with herbs and dietary supplements.
The following list includes individuals who should either avoid taking GOLO Release supplements or consult with their healthcare provider before starting the program, according to the GOLO website.
- Individuals with Type 1 diabetes
- Individuals on anti-diabetes medications
- Individuals taking levothyroxine
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
1. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, these individuals produce little to no insulin and must rely on exogenous insulin (administered from outside the body) for survival.
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes should either refrain from taking GOLO Release supplements or seek advice from their healthcare provider before beginning the diet. According to a 2013 study by Pietro Galassetti from the University of California Irvine, if a patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has experienced prior hypoglycemia, their body’s ability to counteract low blood sugar might be compromised.
This makes them more susceptible to further episodes of hypoglycemia. A supplement that can lower blood sugar, like GOLO Release, could pose additional risks.
2. Individuals on anti-diabetes medications
Individuals on anti-diabetes medications refer to people who are prescribed and are taking drugs specifically designed to control, manage, or treat diabetes. These medications function to either stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, reduce the liver’s glucose production, improve insulin sensitivity, or decrease the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract.
Before starting the GOLO diet, individuals using anti-diabetes medications should either abstain from taking GOLO Release supplements or seek guidance from their healthcare provider. The GOLO Release supplement contains chromium. According to the National Institutes of Health, chromium has the potential to affect blood sugar levels. Furthermore, GOLO Release contains 210mcg of chromium (70mcg per capsule).
This amount is significantly higher than the recommended daily allowance set by the National Institutes of Health, which is 35 mcg for adult men (ages 19–50) and 25 mcg for adult women (ages 19–50). Therefore, the potential for chromium to interact with and lower blood sugar levels is heightened.
3. Individuals taking levothyroxine
Individuals taking levothyroxine are those who are prescribed and are consuming levothyroxine sodium, a medication used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and it helps restore the thyroid hormone balance when the thyroid does not produce enough on its own.
“Levothyroxine sodium is a prescribed medication commonly consumed by individuals with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It acts as a synthetic replacement for thyroxine (T4), a hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland. This medication helps to replenish thyroid hormone levels when the gland cannot produce sufficient amounts. Given interactions with certain supplements, individuals on levothyroxine should be cautious. Specifically, , especially if it contains chromium.”
According to a 2007 study by Jennifer John-Kalarickal from Stony Brook University School of Medicine, certain medications can interfere with the intestinal absorption of levothyroxine. Specifically, the study found that chromium, an ingredient in the GOLO Release supplement, significantly decreased the absorption of levothyroxine when taken simultaneously. Due to potential interference with absorption, those taking levothyroxine might reconsider the use of GOLO Release.
While the study titled “New medications which decrease levothyroxine absorption” focused on chromium picolinate, GOLO Release contains chromium nicotinate. According to the National Institutes of Health, chromium nicotinate is known to cause very few side effects.
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Pregnant women are individuals who are in a state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within their body. Breastfeeding women are individuals who are feeding their newborn or infant with milk produced from their mammary glands.
While GOLO itself has stated that they are unaware of any potential adverse effects of the Release supplement, they still recommend not taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This caution suggests that there may be unknown or unstudied risks associated with its use during these periods.
A 2007 study by M M Bailey from The University of Alabama indicates that taking chromium picolinate supplements at a dosage of 25 mg Cr/kg/day during pregnancy can increase the incidence of cervical arch defects in offspring.
Although the study mentions that certain dosages of chromium are considered safe during pregnancy, the GOLO Release supplement contains a high amount of chromium (210mcg). While this might be within the safe range, it’s crucial for pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid exceeding recommended chromium intake limits to ensure the safety of both the mother and child.
Who should consult a doctor before starting the GOLO diet?
Individuals with chronic conditions should consult a doctor before starting the GOLO diet to ensure it’s safe and tailored to their health needs. Consulting a doctor prior to beginning a new diet has been shown to increase the likelihood of achieving weight loss goals and reduce the risk of health complications. Without professional guidance, many individuals experience negative side effects or fail to see significant improvements in their health and weight.
What are the side effects of the GOLO diet?
While GOLO asserts its products usually do not lead to adverse effects due to their natural, caffeine-free composition, there have been reports on Trustpilot.com of users experiencing negative reactions like elevated blood pressure, headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness. Some individuals have halted GOLO Release use due to these side effects. It is recommended to monitor your body’s response, especially if you have existing health conditions, and consult a healthcare provider before beginning Golo or similar dietary supplements.
