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 Cuts Ingredients

Chromium (300 mcg) has shown conflicting results in clinical trials.

Proprietary Thermo Cuts Blend (2970 mg)

Garcinia Cambogia Extract (Fruit)(65% HCA) does contribute to weight loss. However, Thermo Cuts hides the amount of Garcinia Cambogia it contains, making it impossible to know if there is enough to be effective.

NeOpuntia� Extract

Caffeine Anhydrous is simply caffeine. It does contribute to weight loss, but again Thermo Cuts diet pills fail to list the amount contained.

Phase 2® Brand White Kidney Bean Extract (Phaseolus Vulgaris) has been shown to contribute to weight loss. However, studies included 1500 mg of white kidney bean every day. It is extremely unlikely that Thermo Cuts contains enough white kidney bean to cause weight loss.

Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis L)(Leaf)(40% EGCG/22% Added Caffeinea) does contribute to weight loss, but only when included in doses of 300 mg or more per day. Since green tea is included in a proprietary blend, it is impossible for this Thermo Cuts review to determine if there is enough green tea in Thermo Cuts diet pills to cause weight loss.

Promilin™ (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum)(Seed)(20% 4-Hydroxyisoleucine)

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) does contribute to weight loss, but there is no way of knowing how much CLA is contained in Thermo Cuts.

L-Carnitine does not contribute to weight loss.

Grapefruit Extract (Peel)(20% Naringin)

White & Purple Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba)(Bark)(15% Salicin)  supposedly enhances the thermogenic effect, but more research is needed to prove this.

Bioperine® (Piper Nigum & Longum L)(Fruit) helps the body absorb nutrients; it does not cause weight loss.

Vanadyl Sulfate

Thermo Cuts Cost

Thermo Cuts diet pills cost $25.99 for 200 capsules. If you take the maximum recommended dose of 12 capsules per day, one bottle will last about 16 days. This is quite expensive, especially considering the proven ingredients in Thermo Cuts are included in “proprietary” amounts (in other words, they put in very little of each ingredient just to say it is in there). Don’t bother with Thermo Cuts. Go with a diet pill that includes proven ingredients in proven amounts.

Thermo Cuts Guarantee

The Thermo Cuts website explains their 30 day guarantee. To get your money back, you have to have purchased Thermo Cuts through the website. Also, you have to call their customer service department and get a Return Authorization Number. At least 75% of the product has to be left for you to return the product. This return policy is a joke! If you only take 25% of the capsules, how will you possibly know if it works? Just one more reason to stay away from Thermo Cuts.

Thermo Cuts Conclusion

This Thermo Cuts review finds Thermo Cuts diet pills are really no different from countless others. They contain a few proven ingredients but hide them in a proprietary blend. They gouge you with the price and then make it next to impossible to return the product.

According to their website, 7-DFB (seven day fat burner) is “the ONLY Fat Burner in the World that can help YOU Lose 7, 10, 14, Even Up To 21 POUNDS in Just 7-Days”. They claim the average loser loses 8.75 pounds in 7 days. This 7-DFB review will determine if there is any validity to these lofty claims.
What are the ingredients in 7-DFB?

The following is the ingredient list found on the 7-DFB website

Serving Size: 6 Capsules
Amount per 6 capsule serving

Total carbohydrate 2000 mg
Dietary Fiber      2000 mg
Potassium Gluconate  200 mg
Chromium Polynicotinate 2 mg
Dandelion Root  1500 mg
Psyllium Husk   500 mg
Oat Bran Fiber   500 mg
Rice Bran Fiber  500 mg
Uva Ursi   500 mg
Glucomannan 500 mg
Flax seed powder 500 mg
Cranberry   500 mg
Buchu Leaves 4:1  200 mg
Alfalfa   200 mg
Juniper Berries  200 mg
Garlic 100:1   200 mg
Ginger Root 120 mg
Parsley   100 mg
Mint leaf   100 mg
Red Raspberry Leaf  70 mg
Lemon Peel   70 mg
Hawthorn Berries  70 mg
Red Clover Leaf  70 mg
Burdock Root   70 mg
Irish Moss   70 mg
Aloe Vera   70 mg
Sage    70 mg
Cayenne Pepper 70 mg
Noni    50 mg
Mangosteen   50 mg
Pomegranate   50 mg
Apple Cider Vinegar  50 mg
Grapefruit Seed  50 mg

What a long list of ingredients! The 7-DFB website has a description of each ingredient. In addition to those listed on the bottle, they also list Caffeine Anyhdrous, apple pectin, fennel seed, and goldenseal.
This seems strange since these ingredients are not listed on the bottle.

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.” ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium_picolinate))
Some claim chromium picolinate reduces insulin resistance and leads to weight loss. However, studies show mixed results.

Do you have a chromium deficiency? Probably not.

Glucomannan is a dietary fiber which makes you feel full. Studies have shown it is effective in promoting weight loss, but only if you take 2-4 grams per day. The amount of glucomannan in 7-DFB diet pills is not enough to cause weight loss.

The remainder of the ingredients in 7-DFB might be healthy, but they have no effect on weight loss (unless you call a laxative effect a way to promote weight loss). This 7-DFB review finds there is no ingredient in 7-DFB which has been proven to contribute to weight loss (at least not in proven amounts).
How much does 7-DFB cost?

One bottle of 7-DFB diet pills costs $19.99 for a seven day supply. However, if you join the Orovo club (a multi-level marketing company) you can get a bottle of 7-DFB for about $5 (after you pay full price for one product).

How should 7-DFB be taken?

The recommended dosage is 6 capsules twice a day for seven days. Allow 7-days without using the product in between cycles.
What are the side effects of 7-DFB?

Side effects of 7-DFB diet pills include frequent bowel movements, increased heart rate, and nausea.
Is there a guarantee for 7-DFB?

The 7-DFB website says they will give a full refund if you return your empty bottle (plus any unopened bottles). You will receive a “prompt refund” minus shipping and handling.

7-DFB conclusion

This 7-DFB review finds this is not a typical fat burner. It does not contain ingredients typically contained in fat burners. There are no proven ingredients in 7-DFB diet pills. Any claim that you can lose 21 pounds in seven days should be a huge red flag. Maybe you could lose weight on 7-DFB but it would most likely be because you would be stuck on the toilet for a week. If you really want to lose weight, look for a diet pill that includes proven ingredients in proven amounts.

Detoxatrim Ingredients

The Detoxatrim system contains two parts: a 24-Hour Fat Flush and Detoxatrim Daily Capsules

24-Hour Fat Flush Ingredients
Apple, white grape, orange, blueberry, grape, strawberry, peach, pear, carrots, tomato, celery, spinach, yellow pepper.

While these ingredients are very healthy and give essential vitamins and minerals, it is unlikely that there will be any noticeable change in your body within 24-hours of taking the 24-Hour Fat Flush (unless it gives you the runs).

Detoxatrim Daily Capsule Ingredients
Acidophilus, Bifidus, FOS (Fructooligosaccharides)
Caprylic acid
Glutamine
Hoodia Gordonii has NOT been proven to contribute to weight loss.
Glucomannan is a dietary fiber. It makes the body feel full, which can lead to weight loss. Studies have found that to be effective, glucomannan needs to be taken in doses of 1-2 grams per day. Detoxatrim does not list how much glucomannan is contained in the formula.
Chromium has shown contradictory results in clinical studies; some studies have found chromium contributes to weight loss, while other studies have found it does not.
Advantra-Z contains Synephrine, which has been shown to cause weight loss. Unfortunately, Detoxatrim diet pills fail to reveal how much Advantra-Z is contained in the formula, making it impossible for this Detoxatrim review to determine if the Advantra-Z in Detoxatrim is enough to be effective.
Green tea is another clinically proven diet pill ingredient. Again, Detoxatrim fails to say how much green tea is contained.
Grapefruit Extract
Apple Cider Vinegar
Papaya
Uva Ursi

This long list of ingredients can be overwhelming. Don’t be fooled–just because a diet pill has dozens of ingredients doesn’t mean it is more effective than others. In fact, a long list of ingredients often means the diet pill company is being cheap by including only a very small amount of each ingredient.

Detoxatrim Cost

Detoxatrim diet pills cost $21.95 for 112 capsules (a one-month supply). The 24-Hour Fat Flush costs $14.99 for a one-month supply. The links on the Detoxatrim website are all functioning except the link to purchase the products. You would think they would be sure this link was working.

Detoxatrim Claims

Detoxatrim claims it is a “long-term weight loss solution” (website). They really emphasize the importance of detoxing your system. However, they also say you have to keep detoxing your system, so how is that a long-term solution? They want you to believe Detoxatrim is a unique product that will give you unmatched results. The truth is Detoxatrim is really no different than dozens of other diet pills.

Detoxatrim Conclusion

This Detoxatrim review finds that Detoxatrim is nothing special. The 24-Hour Fat Flush will most likely only give you the runs. The Detoxatrim diet pills do contain some proven ingredients, but they fail to list how much of each ingredient is included. Your best bet for weight loss is to take a diet pill that includes clinically proven ingredients in proven amounts.

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.