Banned in Denmark, popular in Poland: GIS warns about ashwagandha supplement

In brief

• Denmark banned ashwagandha food products in 2023 after a Technical University of Denmark analysis.
• The Netherlands followed, while Finland and Sweden are assessing similar restrictions.
• The supplement remains legal in Poland, where GIS has set content limits and identified groups to avoid it.

Denmark led the way

Denmark became the first country to withdraw ashwagandha-containing food products from sale in 2023. The decision followed an analysis by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), which pointed to possible effects of the plant on hormonal balance and reproductive functions. Concerns also covered metabolism, the immune system and the nervous system (Zakazany w Danii. W Polsce robi furorę. GIS ostrzega przed suplementem – finanse.wp.pl) (W Europie zakazują, w Polsce popularny. Suplement budzi kontrowersje – abczdrowie.pl).

Other EU states follow

The Netherlands took a similar step shortly afterwards. Finland and Sweden are running their own assessments, which could lead to equally strict rules. French health authorities have issued warnings aimed mainly at women.

Situation in Poland

In Poland, preparations made from the root of Withania somnifera remain on sale, despite their growing popularity as a dietary supplement (W Danii zakazany, w Polsce wciąż popularny. Ten suplement budzi obawy ekspertów – portalspozywczy.pl). GIS has defined maximum levels of the active substances and listed groups of people who should not take them.

Who should be careful

The main active compounds in the plant, withanolides, are the focus of the European concerns. Because of the possible hormonal effects, the authorities advise caution for pregnant and breastfeeding women and for people with thyroid or hormone-related conditions. Consumers are advised to check the labelled dose against GIS limits before buying.