CritiCalorie's Top Diet Pill Pick
Do we ever rate a diet pill positively?. Yes (rarely). Why aren't we recommending Metabolife? We're looking for clinically-researched ingredients, at the right (that means clinical) dosage. There are a few diet pills that have chosen this better route, and our favorite is Apidexin. You can read our review or go to the official site.
Metabolife Review
Metabolife is a weight loss supplement which originally contained ephedra. Since the ban on ephedra, Metabolife has received a facelift and is now available in three varieties–1) Metabolife Ultra; 2) Metabolife Green Tea; and 3) Metabolife Caffeine Free
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.
We will examine each of these three Metabolife varieties.
Metabolife Ultra
The Metabolife website claims,
“Metabolife Ultra® is a breakthrough appetite suppressant that is specially formulated for sustained energy, helping to keep you motivated and on track towards achieving your weight loss goals.”
In reality, this supplement contains the same ingredients as numerous other weight loss supplements; there is no “breakthrough” technology or ingredient in Metabolife Ultra. With the “proprietary blend”, the amount of individual ingredients is not disclosed. While SuperCitriMax can be effective in weight loss, we cannot be sure if it will be effective in Metabolife Ultra because we do not know exactly how much is included.
The following is the ingredient list for Metabolife Ultra
- Calcium (as hydroxycitrate) 140mg 14%
- Chromium (as chromium picolinate) 133mcg 110%
- Sodium 30 mg 1%
- Potassium 200mg 5%
Proprietary Blend 1736mg
- SuperCitriMax� Garcinia extract (fruit) (standardized for hydroxycitric acid)
- Caffeine
- Co-enzyme Q10
Each caplet contains 75mg caffeine (this is a weak amount, but we’ll get there).
Metabolife Green Tea
The Metabolife website states,
“Metabolife® Green Tea helps boost the body’s metabolism, making it easier to burn unwanted calories.”
This could be true. Green tea has been proven to promote weight loss. However, with the “proprietary blend”, the amount of green tea contained in Metabolife Green Tea is not disclosed, so we cannot be sure it will be effective.
The following is the ingredient list for Metabolife Green Tea:
- Calcium (as hydroxycitrate & dicalcium phosphate) 40mg 4%
- Copper (as sodium copper chlorophyllin) 300mcg 15%
- Chromium (as chromium picolinate) 133mcg 110%
- Sodium 20mg <1%
- Potassium 30mg <1%
Proprietary Blend 1032mg
- SuperCitriMax� Garcinia extract (fruit) (standardized for hydroxycitric acid)
- Green tea extract (leaf) (standardized for EGCG and total catechins)
- Guarana extract (seed) (standardized for caffeine)
- Yerba mate extract (leaf) (standardized for caffeine)
Metabolife Caffeine Free
The Metabolife website explains,
“Metabolife® Caffeine Free is a stimulant-free alternative for individuals seeking the weight-loss benefits of Metabolife Ultra® without additional energy enhancement.”
The following is the ingredient list for Metabolife Caffeine Free:
Thiamin (as thiamin mononitrate) 1.5mg 100%
Riboflavin 1.7mg 100%
Niacin (as niacinamide) 20mg 100%
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) 5mg 250%
Pantothenic acid (as d-calcium pantothenate) 10mg 100%
Calcium (as hydroxycitrate) 140mg 14%
Chromium (as chromium picolinate) 133mcg 110%
Sodium 300mg 1%
Potassium 200mg 5%
SuperCitriMax® Garcinia extract (fruit) (standardized for hydroxycitric acid)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
† Daily Value not established
Are the ingredients in the Metabolife supplements effective in promoting weight loss?
What does the research say?
In studies, Chromium Picolinate has shown conflicting findings. Some studies claim Chromium Picolinate reduces insulin resistance, promoting weight loss. Other studies have found this to be untrue. We remain neutral on chromium, with a slightly positively lean (how’s that for subjective?).
Garcinia Cambogia’s primary active compound is Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Studies have shown taking HCA can promote weight loss. Study participants took 1.2 grams of HCA per day.
The amount of SuperCitriMax (Garnicia Cambogia) contained in Metabolife Ultra and Metabolife Green Tea is not disclosed; therefore, we cannot be sure it will be effective in promoting weight loss. The amount of SuperCitriMax in Metabolife Caffeine Free is more than the amount used in the studies. However, we prefer
SuperCitriMax when it is combined with other proven ingredients.
Green Tea is one of the few diet pill ingredients we stand by — backed by serious amounts of research over many, many years. Read our Green Tea review to see how we drew our conclusions.
Caffeine has been shown to be an energy booster. Knowing your caffeine tolerance is definitely important when evaluating different dietary supplements. The effects of caffeine vary from person to person based on any number of factors (body size, tolerance, etc.).
Studies have shown that Guarana can lead to fat cell reduction (when combined with conjugated linoleic acid). However, Metabolife Green Tea does not contain linoleic acid.
How much does Metabolife cost?
All three varieties come in bottles of 45 caplets; the bottles cost $24.99. The suggested dosage is 2 caplets 3 times per day. Thus, it will cost you $3.33 per day. This is very expensive, especially for a product that does not prove its effectiveness.
Metabolife Possible Side Effects
The side effects of Metabolife include increased heart rate, jitters, and anxiety.
Metabolife Review Conclusion
The three varieties of Metabolife might work, but without disclosing the amounts of individual ingredients, we cannot compare them with the clinical studies. These products are very expensive. Look for a supplement that discloses all ingredient amounts, includes clinically proven amounts of ingredients, and doesn’t try to rake you over on the pricing.