Can I drink Forever Aloe Vera Gel? Safety and Considerations

For centuries, aloe vera has been used for its medicinal properties, but separating topical use from oral consumption is crucial. While Forever Living markets a stabilized, inner-leaf gel as a health drink, understanding the distinction between safe inner gel and the potentially harmful outer leaf latex is essential for consumer safety.

Quick Summary

This article discusses drinking Forever Living's aloe vera gel, covering its ingredients, potential health benefits, associated risks, and safety precautions for consumers.

Key Points

• Product Differentiation: Forever Aloe Vera Gel uses the inner leaf gel, which is distinct from the laxative-containing outer leaf latex.

• Aloin Removal: High-quality oral aloe products, like Forever's, are processed to significantly reduce or eliminate aloin, the compound in the latex associated with digestive problems and severe side effects.

• Potential Benefits: Benefits like digestive and immune support are often attributed to oral aloe vera, but these claims are not approved by the FDA and should be viewed as supplementary to a healthy diet.

• Significant Risks with Improper Use: Consuming aloe latex or whole-leaf extract, or large amounts of oral aloe, can lead to serious issues including kidney damage, electrolyte imbalance, and potential carcinogenic effects.

• Safety Precautions: Specific groups like pregnant women, young children, and those on certain medications should avoid oral aloe vera, and consultation with a healthcare provider is always recommended.

• Company Scrutiny: Forever Living has faced past lawsuits and criticisms regarding its marketing and product claims, emphasizing the need for consumer vigilance and careful label reading.

Understanding the Product: Forever Aloe Vera Gel

Forever Living Products is a well-known multi-level marketing company that produces and distributes aloe vera products worldwide. Its signature drink, Forever Aloe Vera Gel, is promoted as a dietary supplement made from the inner fillet of the Aloe barbadensis Miller plant. The company asserts its product is 99.7% pure inner leaf gel, stabilized to preserve its potency without added preservatives.

Forever Living's processing methods are designed to filter out the outer leaf's laxative compound, aloin, and other anthraquinones. The product is certified by the International Aloe Science Council (IASC), which sets strict standards for aloe vera products, including maximum allowable aloin levels. While the company highlights these measures to assure consumers of safety, a closer look at the plant's compounds and potential side effects is prudent.

Potential Benefits of Drinking Inner-Leaf Aloe Gel

When prepared correctly to remove the laxative-containing latex, the inner gel of the aloe vera plant contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and compounds. Some potential benefits linked to consuming inner-leaf aloe gel include:

• Digestive Support: Aloe gel may help support healthy digestion and aid in the absorption of nutrients. Its soothing properties are often cited for promoting gut health.
• Immune System Support: The product is fortified with vitamin C, which is known to contribute to the normal function of the immune system and help reduce fatigue. Polysaccharides like acemannan, found in aloe, may also play a role in supporting immune function.
• Hydration: As a water-based gel, drinking aloe vera is a simple way to increase daily fluid intake, contributing to overall hydration.
• Antioxidant Properties: Aloe vera contains natural antioxidants that can help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress.

It is important to note that many of these are marketing claims and not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product should be viewed as a supplement to a balanced diet, not a cure for disease.

The Critical Risks: Why Aloe Latex is Dangerous

Differentiating Between Gel and Latex

Not all aloe vera products are created equal. The plant's leaves contain two main components: the clear inner gel and the yellow, bitter latex found just beneath the outer rind. The latex contains a potent laxative called aloin, which is associated with significant health risks.

Documented Dangers of Anthraquinones and High-Dose Consumption

Oral consumption of aloe latex or unpurified whole-leaf extract can have serious consequences. High doses can lead to severe side effects, and prolonged use can cause more serious health issues.

• Digestive Issues: Taking large amounts can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances, particularly low blood potassium levels.
• Kidney and Heart Problems: Long-term, high-dose use of aloe latex has been linked to kidney damage and heart problems. Consuming even a small amount of aloe latex daily for several days can potentially cause kidney issues.
• Carcinogenic Concerns: Animal studies have shown that non-decolorized whole-leaf aloe vera extract may have carcinogenic potential. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B).

Who Should Avoid Oral Aloe Vera Gel?

While IASC-certified inner-leaf gel products are generally safer, certain populations should still avoid them or consult a doctor before use due to potential risks or interactions:

• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Oral aloe vera can increase the risk of miscarriage or cause side effects in infants.
• Children: Children under 12 years old should not take aloe latex or whole-leaf extracts orally.
• Individuals with Intestinal Conditions: Those with conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or intestinal obstruction should not take aloe latex, which can irritate the GI tract.
• Diabetics: Oral aloe gel can lower blood sugar, potentially causing hypoglycemia, and may interact with diabetes medication.
• Individuals on Specific Medications: Aloe can interact with blood thinners (like warfarin) and diuretics (water pills), increasing the risk of bleeding or causing dangerously low potassium levels.

A History of Scrutiny and Controversy

Forever Living Products, like many multi-level marketing companies, has faced criticism and legal challenges over its history.

• Proposition 65 Lawsuits: Between 2012 and 2016, the Environmental Research Center (ERC) filed lawsuits against Forever Living Products over alleged unsafe lead levels in products. However, these claims were dismissed in the California Supreme Court.
• Advertising Claims: In 2015, the UK Advertising Standards Authority criticized the company for making unsubstantiated health claims about its products. The company was instructed not to use health professionals in its promotional material and was investigated by the UK Medicines And Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
• "100%" Purity Claim: A class-action lawsuit challenged the company's "100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel" claim, arguing it was misleading due to the inclusion of stabilizers and preservatives. The court ruled in favor of Forever Living, noting that the ingredients were disclosed elsewhere and consumers did not expect absolutely no other substances. This highlights the importance of reading product labels carefully.

How to Approach Consuming Forever Aloe Vera Gel Safely

If you choose to drink Forever Aloe Vera Gel, consider these guidelines:

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always speak to a doctor or qualified health professional before starting a new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take other medications.
• Follow Product Guidelines: Adhere to the instructions on the product label. Forever Living provides recommendations for consumption, often suggesting mixing with water or juice.
• Store Correctly: Refrigerate the product after opening and consume it within the specified timeframe (e.g., 30 days) to maintain quality and safety.
• Watch for Side Effects: Pay attention to your body's reaction. If you experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, or any allergic reactions like a rash, stop consumption immediately and consult a doctor.

Comparing Different Oral Aloe Vera Products

Feature	Aloe Gel (Inner Leaf Fillet)	Aloe Latex (Outer Leaf Exudate)	Whole-Leaf Extract
Composition	Clear, gel-like pulp	Yellow, bitter liquid from the rind	Includes both gel and latex
Aloin Content	Minimal or trace amounts	High concentration	Contains significant amounts
Safety for Oral Use	Generally considered safer short-term	Potentially unsafe; laxative properties	Potentially unsafe due to latex content
FDA Regulation	Not regulated as a drug	Banned for use in over-the-counter laxatives	Not regulated as a drug
Long-Term Risk	Possible concerns, but less documented	Linked to kidney and heart issues	Possible carcinogenic risk in animal studies

Conclusion: Informed Choices are Key

So, can I drink Forever Aloe Vera Gel? With careful consideration, many people can for a short duration. The key distinction lies in the product's quality and processing. Forever Living's inner-leaf gel is filtered to remove the harmful aloin found in the latex, mitigating the most severe risks. While the potential digestive and immune-supporting benefits exist, they are not proven to cure any diseases. The company's history of marketing practices warrants a degree of healthy skepticism and diligent research by consumers. Always follow product guidelines, refrigerate correctly, and prioritize consulting a healthcare professional before use, especially if you belong to a high-risk group or take other medications. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle remain the best path to wellness.

Optional Authoritative Outbound Link

For more in-depth information on the safety of aloe vera, consult the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between aloe vera gel and aloe latex?

Aloe vera gel is the clear, inner pulp of the plant leaf, while aloe latex is the yellowish, bitter liquid found just under the outer rind. Aloe latex contains anthraquinones, which act as a powerful laxative and are associated with most of the serious side effects of oral aloe vera.

Are Forever Aloe Vera Gel products safe to drink?

Forever Aloe Vera Gel is made from the inner leaf gel, with aloin content minimized through processing and IASC certification. Short-term use is considered generally safe for healthy individuals who are not part of a high-risk group, but long-term effects are less studied.

Can I drink the gel directly from an aloe vera plant?

It is not recommended to consume gel directly from a home-grown aloe plant, as this can contain both the safe inner gel and the harmful latex. Commercially prepared, filtered, and stabilized gels are processed to remove the latex and are the safer option for oral consumption.

What are the common side effects of oral aloe vera?

Side effects can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and electrolyte imbalances, particularly from products containing unfiltered latex or consumed in large quantities. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions.

Who should not drink oral aloe vera products?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 12, and individuals with intestinal conditions like Crohn's disease or colitis should not use oral aloe vera. Those on medications for diabetes or blood-clotting issues should also avoid it due to potential interactions.

How should I store Forever Aloe Vera Gel?

After opening, the gel should be refrigerated and consumed within 30 days to ensure it remains fresh and potent.

Does Forever Living use preservatives in their aloe vera gel?

Older formulations of Forever's aloe gel included preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. Newer versions use a stabilization process to avoid added preservatives, but it is best to check the specific product label for the most accurate ingredient list.