Some people say that it takes 1500mg per day to control their appetites. Some say 3000mg is necessary. Some manufactures of hoodia supplements recommend two capsules three times a day, while more potent hoodia products recommend one capsule three times a day and some two capsules twice a day. People have experimented with their own hoodia dosage, basically using themselves as guinea pigs and this may be okay if the product is 100% hoodia gordonii. But, it is wise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage on any hoodia herb combos. It is also, always recommended to consult your doctor before using any new supplement. While research done by Phytopharm has shown hoodia to have an acceptable safety level, they have not completed clinical research and they only use a purified potent hoodia gordonii extract known as p57. Whether or not the research completed by Phytopharm can be applied to products which are currently on the market is up for debate. Phytopharm’s product, which is expected to be the most potent hoodia product, is not scheduled to be released for several years.

The acceptable hoodia dosage concerns many health care professionals. While hoodia gordonii is not believed to be a stimulant, there have been problems associated with stimulants used as appetite suppressants and some hoodia herb combos do contain stimulants. It may not be obvious to the consumer, listed ingredients will not say; includes XXX (a stimulant). The best advice for consumers is to investigate a product’s ingredients thoroughly, not just what appears on the package label or the company website. Find an impartial source of information.

Even 100% hoodia gordonii products should be used with caution, the smallest hoodia dosage that allows results is recommended. It is also recommended that dieters obtain a clean bill of health from their doctor’s, before begin any weight loss program, with or without potent hoodia products. Caution is advised because so little is known about the plant. Manufacturers refer to use by the San people of southern Africa, but it was not one of their preferred food items. They did not eat it often.

Hoodia products are not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women or children under the age of 18. Anyone suffering from a medical condition of any kind or who is currently taking any prescription medication should not use any hoodia dosage (weak, low-dose or potent hoodia) without a doctor’s supervision. No one knows what potential there is for drug interaction or what affect hoodia could have on any medical condition. Clinical studies, by Phytopharm, used a controlled potent hoodia dosage administered to overweight volunteers who were otherwise healthy. These studies were closely supervised and are still on-going.