HOMEOPATHY treatments have been declared no more than a placebo and potentially harmful to patients’ wellbeing in a long-awaited report published by Spain’s Ministry of Health.
Health authorities say homeopathy has no proven curative value and does not outperform the effect of a placebo in any medical condition studied.
The report, issued by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), concludes there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.
READ MORE: Experts in Spain warn of ‘grave consequences’ in rise of pseudo-therapies like homeopathy and reiki
Therefore, AEMPS has withdrawn a total of 1,032 homeopathic products from the market following a regulatory review.
While 976 products deemed safe will remain available, they are no longer permitted to carry any therapeutic indication on their labels.
Furthermore, the report states that a concentration of the usual dilutions used in homeopathic products ‘is equivalent to dissolving a packet of sugar in the entire Mediterranean Sea.’
It adds that any apparent positive effect disappears entirely in thorough clinical trials.
The ministry has raised concerns about the risks associated with relying on such treatments.
The main danger lies in patients delaying or abandoning proven medical care in favour of alternatives that lack evidence.
This is especially serious for those with chronic or life-threatening conditions.
It also challenges the common belief that homeopathic products are harmless because they are ‘natural’.
Reports of adverse effects have been recorded, including cases of poisoning linked to incorrect dosages.
There have also been instances of infant deaths connected to homeopathic teething remedies in other countries.
The health ministry points out that with this report, Spain aligns itself with the international trend.
France and the United Kingdom have already withdrawn its funding, while Germany is in the process of doing so.
Meanwhile, Australia and the United States now require clear warnings highlighting the lack of scientific backing.
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