Cylaris Review

Cylaris claims to be a “weight loss formula is a clinical breakthrough that can help you lose a significant amount of weight fast and reclaim your life.” (Cylaris website) Their entire claim to the effectiveness of the supplement rests on a study that supposedly showed that participants who used Cylaris lost significantly more weight than participants who used a placebo. However, the study itself only says they used a “Cissus quadrangularis formulation”; they do not specifically name Cylaris. ((http://www.lipidworld.com/content/5/1/24#IDAIKDHG))

Hydroxycitric Acid Update

On May 1, 2009 the FDA issued a warning to consumers to stop taking Hydroxycut-branded products. Over more than 7 years they have received 23 reports of health related issues with those taking Hydroxycut-branded products. The main health concern appears to be serious liver-related problems. Iovate Health Sciences Inc., the makers of Hydroxcut, have voluntarily recalled all of the products under question in the FDA’s report

Common symptoms of liver complications include:

  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
  • brown urine
  • light colored stools
  • unusual tiredness
  • stomach pain
  • itching
  • loss of appetite
  • weakness
  • vomiting

In light of the recent FDA warning concerning the possible dangers of Hydroxycut-branded diet pills, many believe that the associated health risks are likely due to the inclusion of the commonly used ingredient Hydroxycitric Acid, or HCA. And while according to the FDA, “The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.” you can never be too cautious.

So, while further study and research is needed to confirm the link between HCA and the liver problems, until proven otherwise any products that contain HCA are no longer recommended on this website.

What ingredients does Cylaris contain?

The following is the list of ingredients in Cylaris

  • Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) 50 mg 2500%
  • Folic Acid 400 mcg 100%
  • Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 50 mcg 833%
  • Selenium (as l-selenomethionine) 60 mcg 86%
  • Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) 150 mcg 125%
  • Cylaris™ Proprietary Weight-Loss Blend *
    • Caffeine Anhydrous *
    • Cissus quadrangularis extract (stem and leaves) Standardized for 2.5% phytosterols *
    • Green Tea Extract (as Camellia sinensis) (leaf) Standardized for 90% polyphenols, 45% EGCG *
    • Soy albumin extract (as Glycine max) (bean) Standardized for 200 mg caffeine *

Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, vegetable stearine, magnesium stearate, silica, hydroxypropyl-cellulose, acesulfame-potassium, coating (polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, FD&C Red NO. 40, FD&C Blue NO. 2, hydroxypropyl cellulose, soy lecithin, polysorbate 80).

What does the research say re: Cylaris’ ingredients say?

Chromium, according to some studies, reduces insulin resistance, thus increasing weight loss. However, other studies find the opposite. The findings are too contradictory to be sure whether it is effective or not. We’re neutral with a slightly positive lean here.

Caffeine has been shown to increase endurance which can lead to weight loss. Cylaris does not disclose exactly how much caffeine it contains.

The study mentioned multiple times on the Cylaris website was done on a Cissus quadrangularis formulation. This formulation also included green tea and caffeine, among other ingredients.
No study has been done on Cissus quadrangularis itself, so who is to say that the success of this study is not due to the green tea and caffeine? My guess would be that it is.

The cynic in me would also venture a guess that there’s a reason Cylaris included the potentially effective ingredients in their proprietary blend — because they’ve likely used too little of them to make Cylaris effective.

Green tea has been proven to be very effective in promoting weight loss. However, with the “proprietary blend”, Cylaris does not disclose how much green tea it contains so there is no way to tell whether it is effective in this supplement or not.

Who endorses Cylaris?

The Cylaris website contains endorsements from people who have supposedly had great weight loss success while using Cylaris. These people are paid for their endorsements. You can be paid for one too. Just sign up on the website. I don’t know about you, but it makes me suspect to know someone has been paid to endorse
a product. If the product is so superior, they wouldn’t have to pay people to say good things about it.

Another thing to mention, those who endorse Cylaris, in addition to financial compensation, receive “Support from a trained nutrition and fitness consultant.” How is that demonstrating the experience of an average Cylaris user? How many people can afford to hire a personal trainer?

What are the side effects associated with Cylaris?

The list of side effects for Cylaris is long and includes the following:

  • Headaches
  • Gas
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Jitteriness
  • Increased urination

Cylaris Side Effects to Report

More serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Anxiety
  • Signs of an allergic reaction

Cylaris Review Conclusion

Cylaris relies solely on one study which doesn’t prove that their product is effective. The lengthy list of side effects as well as the paid endorsements certainly make us skeptical. Use your money on a weight loss supplement that is proven to work.

Try Cylaris

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