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 are the ingredients in Animal Cuts?

The following is the (lengthy) list of ingredients, according to the Animal Cuts website.

Serving Size 1Pack
Servings Per Container42

Amount Per Serving % DV

• Niacin(as Niacinamide) 15mg 75%
• Vitamin B6(as Pyridoxine HCL) 2mg 100%
• Synephrine *
• Octopamine *
• Tyramine *
• Eqigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
• L-Theanine *
• PEA (Phenylethylamine) *
• Choline Citrate *
• Betaine HCL *
• Inositol Monophosphate *
• Guarana (22% Caffeine) *
• L-Carnitine *
• Dandelion Extract (Taraxol, Taraxerol) *
• Uva Ursi Extract (Arbutin, Methyl-Arbutin) *
• Guggul (2.5% Guggulsterones) *
• Soy Isoflavones *
• Insulin Potentiators 100mg
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid *
• Chromium Polynicotinate *
• Chromium Picolinate *
• Nucleotide Regulators 300mg
• Phosphate *
• Inosine *
• Phosphatidylcholine *
• Neurotransmitter Regulators 250mgSt.
• John’s Wort (0.3% Hypericin) *
• Tyrosine *
• Citrilene%u2122 (Hydroxycitric Acid) *
• Grapefruit Extract (Naringin, Naringenin) *
• White Willow (Bark) *
• Phenylalanine (As L-Phenylalanine) *
• Ginger Root Extract (Gingerols, Shoagols) *

What do the ingredients in Animal Cuts do?

Synephrine–One study performed in December of 2007 looked at the lipolysis (fat loss) effects of Satsuma mandarin orange (Citrus unshu Mark) peel on the fat cells of rats (I know, it’s always rats). A high concentration of Synephrine was present in the peel and lipolysis effects were present. The overall conclusion:

These results suggest that the segment wall, an edible fraction, from Satsuma mandarin orange might be useful as a functional food, especially as a fat-reducing material ((J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2008 Dec;53(6):547-51.)).

PEA (Phenethylamine) is an alkaloid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Some people call Phenetyhlamine “The Love Drug” because it is included in chocolate but the question arises as to the validity of that claim because Pheneythlamine is metabolized so quickly, it’s doubtful that any significant amount would reach the brain quickly enough to cause an effect. More human research is needed on phenethylamine.

Carnitine is an amino acid which helps break down fats. Although Carnitine is included in many weight loss supplements, there is no clinical evidence that it contributes to weight loss.

Gugglesterones are supposed to increase thyroid function to promote weight loss. However, studies have had varying results.

Chromium Picolinate (chromium + picolinic acid) is pushed by companies as an aid to losing weight. It is known that small quantities of chromium are “needed for glucose utilization by insulin in normal health, but deficiency is extremely rare in developed nations.”

Do you have a chromium deficiency? Probably not. However, some studies are finding that Chromium Picolinate reduces insulin resistance, thus leading to weight loss. Other studies claim to find the opposite.

L-tyrosine has proven to contribute to the ability to work out more effectively and burn more calories. You guessed it–the amount of L-tyrosine in Animal Cuts is not disclosed.

Green tea is a very effective ingredient in increasing metabolic function when used in the appropriate amount. However, Animal Cuts does not disclose how much green tea is contained in their formula.

This long list of ingredients can be intimidating. Companies often include dozens of ingredients in micro
amounts so you think you are getting something different and effective. Don’t be fooled. The proof is in how much of each ingredient is included. You will notice the ingredients in Animal Cuts are included in a “complex”. In other words, they don’t want you to know how much of each ingredient is included in the formula. Therefore, it is virtually impossible for this Animal Cuts review to determine the true effectiveness of this product.

How much do Animal Cuts diet pills cost?

A bottle of Animal Cuts diet pills costs around $30 and has 42 packs (servings). If you take the recommended 2 packs a day, one bottle will last you 21 days. While this isn’t especially expensive for a diet pill, there is no way to know how effective it is (which essentially makes it infinitely expensive).

What are the directions for taking Animal Cuts?

The Animal Cuts website gives the following directions:

“Take two Animal Cuts packs everyday for three consecutive weeks. Follow a cycle consisting of three weeks on and one week off. After your one week off cycle, you can repeat another three week on cycle until you reach your goals. Take on an empty stomach.”

Animal Cuts’ in-your-face marketing

Let’s just say Animal Cuts marketing isn’t your typical diet pill marketing. Their website uses any language you can imagine and doesn’t apologize for doing so. They show pictures of bulging biceps, obviously catering to the teenage crowd.

Animal Cuts conclusion

This Animal Cuts review finds that, despite their claims, Animal Cuts diet pills are really not that different from typical fat burners. Like so many other diet pills, Animal Cuts leaves you in the dark about how much of each ingredient is included in the formula. This is a tell tale sign that there is not enough of the proven ingredients to be effective. Try using a diet pill that is honest in the amount of each ingredient included.

What are the ingredients in Orovo Detox?

The ingredients in Orovo Detox are listed below.

• Vitamin B6 10mg
• Potassium Gluconate 100mg
• Dandelion 500mg
• SuperFoods Blend 350mg
  • Barley
  • Acai
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Buckwheat
  • Flaxseed
  • Alfalfa Sprout
  • Lactobacillus Acidophilus
  • Soy Isoflavines
  • Garlic
  • Wheatgrass
• Antioxidant Blend 575mg
  • Green Tea
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • DMAE
  • Idebenone
• Buchu Leaves 250mg
• Uva Ursi 250mg
• Lemon Balm 200mg
• Milk Thistle 200mg
• Ginger 100mg
• Juniper Berries 100mg
• Senna Leaf 100mg
• Couch Grass 50mg
• Licorice Root 50mg
• Parsley Leaves 50mg
• Aloe Vera 25mg
• Apple Cider Vinegar 25mg
• Grapefruit Seed 25mg
• Grape Seed 25mg
• Mangosteen 25mg
• Noni Fruit 25mg
• Papaya Fruit 25mg
• Peppermint Leaves 25mg
• Pomegranate Leaves 25mg
• Pomegranate 25mg
• Raspberry 25mg
• Red Clover 25mg
• Sage Leaf 25mg

Other Ingredients: Magnesium Stearate

As you can see, Orovo Detox has thrown in everything but the kitchen sink. Realize that just because a product has a long list of ingredients doesn’t mean it is an effective product. In fact, the opposite is often true. They want you to believe that the number of ingredients makes it more effective.

In this very long list of ingredients, only one, green tea, has been proven to contribute to weight loss.

Green tea is an excellent diet pill ingredient. It has been proven to significantly contribute to weight loss IF it is used in the correct amount. However, Orovo Detox includes green tea only in a “blend”, so the actual amount of green tea is not disclosed. Therefore, this Orovo Detox review cannot determine whether the amount of green tea included in Orovo Detox diet pills is enough to cause weight loss.

DMAE is supposed to have a positive influence on mood, but more human research is needed before it can be considered a good ingredient in a diet pill.

Wheatgrass is supposed to detoxify heavy metals from the blood stream and improve the digestive system, among many other things.While wheatgrass is healthy, there is no proof it contributes to weight loss.

The remainder of these ingredients, while they may be healthy, do not directly contribute to weight loss.

How much does Orovo Detox cost?

This is a tricky question. The official website says the retail price is $89.95 for one bottle, but you can buy it on the website for $39.99. You can save even more if you buy in bulk. This is a classic retail marketing tactic used to make people feel like they are getting a good deal so they will buy more.

Orovo has an income-opportunity side to it as well. If you sign up for their autoship program then you’ll be able to refer friends and earn money when friends by Orovo products. If you’re a great salesman then i suppose you could earn some extra money doing this.

Quick Orovo Detox Video Review

How should Orovo Detox diet pills be taken?

The Orovo Detox website instructs that the product should be taken for seven days (4 capsules twice a day) followed by a seven day rest period. Why is this? According to the website, “Because you will lose weight faster with Orovo DETOX than any other weight loss product ever made. The combination of the original 10 SuperFoods plus 31 Detox Agents promote results so FAST that taking for more than 7 consecutive days will cause you to lose weight TOO QUICKLY!”

We doubt the product will help you lose weight too quickly, based on our review as stated above. Throwing out cautions like this are usually meant to simply legitimize the product in a prospect’s eyes.

What are the side effects of Orovo Detox?

The side effects of Orovo Detox diet pills may include frequent bowel movements (though not explosive and without warning, a la Alli), anxiety, and possibly jitters.

Orovo Detox Conclusion

This Orovo Detox review finds that Orovo Detox diet pills are a nice contender for a detox option.  We like it overall.