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.

Thermo Lean ingredients

Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings per Container: 90
Amount per Serving: DV%
Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) 100 mcg 83%
Garcinia (fruit extract)
(standardized for 50% (-) hydroxy citric acid) 1200 mg *
Bitter orange & lunch)
(Citrus Aurantium) (fruit extract)
(standardized for 11% amines – synephrine,
N-methyltyramine, hordenine, octopamine
and tyramine) 133 mg *
Proprietary Blend 277 mg*
Guarana (seed extract)
(standardized for 22% caffeine)
Green Tea (leaf extract)
(standardized for polyphenols (catechins) including epigallocatechin (EGCG) and caffeine.
White Willow (bark extract)
(standardized for 15% salicin)

Other ingredients: gelatin, cellulose, dicalcium phosphate and magnesium stearate.

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. See our Chromium Picolinate Review for more detailed information on clinical studies and findings. Regardless of whether Chromium Picolinate does actually contribute to weight loss, there is not as much contained in Thermo Lean as was used in clinical studies, so it is highly unlikely that the Chromium Picolinate in Thermo Lean will bring about weight loss.

Garcinia Cambogia’s primary active compound is Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The long and short of it is that HCA has research backing it as an effective weight loss ingredient. While it probably shouldn’t be the only ingredient in a diet pill, it’s a great player.

Citrus Aurantium contains 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.))

Guarana has been proven to contribute to weight loss but ONLY when combined with damiana and yerba mate. Thermo Lean does not contain either of these ingredients. There has been no research to determine the effectiveness of guarana by itself.

Green tea has been proven to contribute to weight loss; it increases metabolic function. However, this Thermo Lean review finds that since green tea is included in the “Proprietary Blend”, it is impossible to determine its effectiveness in Thermo Lean diet pills.

White willow bark is an anti-inflammatory/pain reliever similar to aspirin. It may enhance the thermogenic effect and increase the body’s ability to utilize fatty acids while preserving lean muscle tissue. Further research is needed to substantiate these claims.

Side effects of Thermo Lean

Side effects include jitters, headaches, and constipation.

How should Thermo Lean be taken?

You should take 2 capsules between meals. Thermo Lean also warns not to drink soda or coffee within one hour of taking a dose.

Price of Thermo Lean

Thermo Lean diet pills cost $13.99 for 90 capsules. If you take 4 capsules per day, one bottle will last about 22 days. This is relatively inexpensive for a diet pill.

Thermo Lean conclusion

This Thermo Lean review finds that Thermo Lean from LifeSource does include some good fat-burning ingredients. However, they fail to mention how much of each ingredient is included in the “Proprietary Blend”. This is important because green tea can be very effective, but ONLY if it is used in the correct amount. We suggest finding a diet pill that includes clinically proven ingredients in the correct amount.

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 is in Stacker 3?

The following is the list of ingredients contained in Stacker 3:

• Kola Nut (seeds) (4mg caffeine group alkaloids)
• Cactus Extract 12:1 (whole plant)
• White Willow Bark
• Grapefruit Extract (Fruit)
• Chitosan (Shellfish)
• Caffeine (anhydrous) 250mg
• Tri-Guarcinia3 Complex™ 25mg
• Green Tea (leaves)(< 1 mg caffeine group alkaloids)
• Guarana (seeds)
• Garcinia (fruit)

The Kola nut is supposed to diminish sensations of hunger and fatigue and also to aid in digestion.
No studies have actually proven this to be true. One study even found the following concern, “The more pressing issue however, is that there seem to be real cancer-related concerns with at least the tannin in this extract. Long term use could have significant affects on overall health.” ((http://www.savvy-fat-burning-food.com/kola-nut.html))

Cactus extract has been noted as an appetite suppressant, but more human research is needed.

White willow bark is an anti-inflammatory/pain reliever similar to aspirin. It may enhance the thermogenic effect and increase the body’s ability to utilize fatty acids while preserving lean muscle tissue. Once again, further research is needed to substantiate these claims.

Grapefruit extract has been shown to aid in weight loss. Dr Ken Fujioka from the Scripps Clinic in California led a clinical trial funded by the Florida Citrus Commission. One hundred obese subjects (average
weight 98kg; body mass index 35.6kg/m2) were assigned to one of four intervention groups (consumed three times daily before meals) for 12 weeks: (a) 7 oz apple juice plus placebo capsule; (b) 7 oz apple juice plus whole grapefruit extract capsules (Grapefruit Solution by Diaeta); (c) 8oz of grapefruit juice plus placebo capsule; or (d) half of a fresh grapefruit plus placebo capsule. No other dietary modifications were required but the subjects were required to walk 20-30 minutes three to four times weekly.

After 12 weeks, 79 subjects completed the study, with only group D, the fresh grapefruit group, showing statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo (apple juice plus placebo capsules). Body composition (fat, fat-free mass, bone, water) was not assessed. ((http://www.functionalingredientsmag.com/fimag/articleDisplay.asp?strArticleId=555&strSite=FFNSite))
Chitosan is made from shellfish. It is supposed to attract fat and expel it from the body. However, the research shows otherwise. One study found the following:

“In a series of three studies using three different brands of chitosan, we measured the amount of fat in the feces of about 40 people taking chitosan. The claims made by the manufacturer of the product tested included, “Block the absorption of up to 120 grams of fat per day and lose substantial weight.” We studied fat absorption by measuring fat in the feces of volunteers before taking chitosan and while they were taking chitosan. In two of our three published studies, chitosan did not block the absorption of any fat.2,3 In a third study, in women, chitosan did not block any fat from being absorbed. In contrast, in men, the absorption of 1.8 g of fat, or 16 kcal, was blocked. We calculated that it would take 7 months for men to lose 0.45 kg (1 lb) of fat using chitosan.” ((http://docnews.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/4/3/3))

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.

Studies have shown that Guarana can lead to fat cell reduction (when combined with conjugated linoleic acid). However, Stacker 3 does not contain linoleic acid. ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guarana#cite_note-17))

Garcinia Cambogia’s primary active compound is Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Studies have shown taking HCA can promote weight loss. However, study participants took 1.2 grams of HCA per day. Even by taking the maximum daily amount of Stacker 3, you won’t get close to the necessary amount of HCA.
((http://www.tribulusterrestrisextract.com/garcinia.html))

Side Effects of Stacker 3

Stacker 3 has several side effects, including some that could be quite serious. These side effects include dizziness or light-headedness, headaches, and increased heart rate or blood pressure.

Stacker 3 Conclusion

Stacker 3 does not live up to its claims of fat burning and weight loss. Adding Chitosan did nothing to improve this product. Don’t bother with Stacker 3; you will only be disappointed.