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.

Herbalean PM Ingredients

Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate is supposed to increase the production of the growth hormone. However, there has only been one study to substantiate this claim; more research is needed.

Hoodia Gordonii is overhyped and overused. There is NO scientific evidence to show that hoodia gordonii actually contributes to weight loss.

Chamomile Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) comes from the fruit Garcinia Cambogia. HCA has been proven to contribute to weight loss.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) 5-HTP is an amino acid which mood enhancing effects.

Gymnema helps control blood sugar levels. Valerian promotes restful sleep.

Theanine is an amino acid which is supposed to reduce stress responses. There are no studies directly linking Theanine consumption with weight loss.

Pyruvate can increase metabolic rate. However, subjects in the studies proving this took 36 grams of Pyruvate daily. Herbalean PM does not disclose how much Pyruvate is contained in the formula, but odds are you would have to take dozens of Herbalean PM diet pills per day to equal the amount of Pyruvate in the study. (DO NOT TAKE MORE HERBALEAN PM PILLS THAN RECOMMENDED!)

Passionflower, or maypop promotes restful sleep.

Banaba has been proven to lower blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, Herbalean PM fails to list how much Banaba is included in their formula.

Hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP) is basically gelatin. You might as well eat jello; it would have the same effect.

Magnolia bark

Herbalean PM Claims

The Herbalean PM website claims Herbalean PM does the following: “* Promotes loss of fat and inches * Supports weight loss * Promotes lean muscle development * Supports overall fitness * Supports increased energy and stamina * Promotes better sleep * Helps shorten workout recovery time * Enhances body’s ability to rejuvenate and repair itself” (website).

This Herbalean PM review finds that while Herbalean PM may serve as a sleeping aid, there is NO proof that it will cause weight loss. Herbalean PM does contain some proven ingredients, but since the amounts of these ingredients are not listed, there is no way of knowing how effective Herbalean PM will be at causing weight loss. Herbalean PM Dosage The Herbalean PM website gives the following dosgae directions for Herbalean PM diet pills: “Start with two capsule in the evening before bedtime and drink 8oz of water. Do not exceed 2 capsules daily. Remember to drink 8 – 10 glasses of water each day”.

Herbalean PM Cost

One bottle of Herbalean PM diet pills costs $34.95. If you take the recommended dosage of 2 capsules per day, one bottle will last one month. This is not expensive as diet pills go, but since Herbalean PM fails to disclose how much of each ingredient is included in the formula, this Herbalean PM review finds Herbalean PM is too expensive.

Herbalean PM Guarantee

According to their website, Herbalean PM has a 30-day 100% money back guarantee. Unlike many other diet pill companies, Herbalean PM will give refunds for open bottles. We like that they will take back open bottles, but we would like to see more than a 30-day guarantee.

Herbalean PM Conclusion

This Herbalean PM review finds Herbalean PM is a mediocre product. There is no evidence that Herbalean PM will help you “Lose weight while you sleep” (website). Look for a diet pill with 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 Thermadrol?

• Green Tea Extract 600mg
• Advantra Z® (Citrus Arantium) 400 mg
• 5-HTP 5 mg
• HydroCitric Acid (Garcina Cambogia) 420 mg
• Bioperine® 6 mg
• L-Carnitine 150 mg
• L-Tyrosine 75 mg
• Vitamin B6 30 mg
• Vitamin B12 600 mcg
• Chromium Picolinate 120 mcg
• Yerba Mate 60 mg
• Apple Cider Vinegar 30 mg
• Caffeine Anhydrous 120 mg
• Fennel Seed 30 mg
• Licorice Root 30 mg
• Pantothenic Acid 9 mg
• Phenylalanine 30 mg
• Gymnema Sylvestre 225 mg
• Cayenne Powder 30 mg
• Hoodia Gordonii 20:1 30 mg
• Ginger Root 45 mg

Green tea has been proven to increase metabolic function, causing weight loss. Studies have shown that taking 300 mg of green tea per day will cause weight loss. The amount of green tea in Thermadrol diet pills is sufficient to cause weight loss.

Advantra Z is a patented extract of Citrus Aurantium (also called Bitter Orange). The active ingredient in Citrus Aurantium is Synephrine, which I reviewed in depth previously.

The short of it is that Advantra Z is one of the ingredients you’ll find in diet pills that is actually effective in aiding weight loss. Synephrine is a stimulant that does not cause the jitters of caffeine. Some make the claim that Syephrine is the “new ephedra”. There has been absolutely zero research documenting a synephrine effect equivalent to ephedra. Is Synephrine (Advantra Z) effective? Yes. But let’s not equate it to ephedra until we have some research to back it up.

5-HTP is an amino acid, a precursor to serotonin (serotonin modulates anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, and appetite, among other things). The main purpose for 5-HTP to be included in a diet pill is for its mood enhancing effects. Much of the excessive calorie consumption causing obesity is supposedly due to mood-induced eating.

What you really have to question is the effectiveness of Garcinia cambogia at all. According to one of my favorite sources, Garcinia cambogia’s “usefulness is unproven.” However, according to this study HCA “was also shown to exhibit concentration-dependent release of serotonin in isolated rat brain cortex, which may explain its appetite suppressive action.” The dosage for the study was 4.6 grams per day — clearly more than the 840 mg present in Thermadrol (with two servings per day). I’m not saying that a lesser dose is not effective, I’m just presenting all of the facts. The study used a much higher dosage.

Bioperine is an extract from the fruit Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). Both of these contain the active ingredient that you’re looking for: Piperine. They call it a “thermonutrient” because it “enhances the body’s natural thermogenic activity.”

Is it the real deal? The Bioperine website did cite one study on their website, that showed an increased absorption of beta-carotene, vitamin B6 and selenium (fat soluble, water soluble, and a mineral, respectively). I don’t know if the ability to absorb more nutrients will directly translate into lost weight, but the added health benefits of Bioperine should not be overlooked.

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.

Tyrosine (you’ll sometimes see it called 4-hydroxyphenylalanine) is one of the amino acids used by cells to synthesize proteins. You can find it wherever you find casein (a type of protein found predominantly in dairy products such as milk, cheese, or cottage cheese). Tyrosine is a building block for neurotransmitters, which are chemicals used to relay, amplify and modulate signals between a neuron and another cell.

L-Tyrosine is one diet pill ingredient that has quite a bit of support from actual research:
With L-Tyrosine, you want to look for daily dosage amounts of 500 to 1500 mg. Thermadrol does not have nearly enough Tyrosine to be effective.

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.

Yerba mate contains mainly caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. These ingredients supposedly promote central nervous stimulation and help the body to shed water as well as suppress appetite. Additionally, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine appear to suppress appetite, and boost metabolism. However, there is not adequate research to support this. When you combine Yerba Mate with Guarana and Damiana, the effect is great — as shown by some interesting research. Thermadrol does contain Guarana but not Damiana, unfortunately.

Caffeine has been shown to increase metabolic function. Don’t be impressed with the wording Caffeine Anhydrous–it is just dried caffeine. Be sure to take into account your own reaction to caffeine before taking any product containing it.

Hoodia Gordonii is an ingredient that has gained popularity with diet pills. However, there is no scientific evidence that Hoodia actually contributes to weight loss.  All hype, no science.  I wish Thermadrol would’ve left this out — it’s a negative for us to have a diet pill containing this completel fad of an ingredient.

Does Thermadrol have a guarantee?

The Thermadrol website says “Try Thermadrol with QuadraBurn and its 21 Active Ingredients at no risk. If you don’t Lose at Least 10 Pounds AND see an amazing change in your body and energy levels…if friends aren’t raving about weight you’ve lost…If you are not 100% satisfied in any way…simply send back the empty container within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price.”  This looks like a very solid guarantee.  No fancy wording or trickery.

What are the side effects of Thermadrol?

Side effects of Thermadrol diet pills include sleeplessness, nausea, or jitters. These side effects are actually listed on the Thermadrol website (our hat goes off again!). This is almost unheard of in the diet pill industry. Most companies claim their products have no side effects even if the side effects are known and documented.

How much does Thermadrol cost?

A bottle of 120 capsules costs around $30 and lasts 20 days. At $1.50 per day, they are relatively inexpensive as diet pills go.

Thermadrol’s Unusual Marketing

I was very happily surprised with Thermadrol’s website. It included testimonials, but unlike countless other diet pill companies, the testimonials were simple and quiet believable.

In addition to Thermadrol diet pills, you also receive free exercise software and a free short-term gym membership (wow).

As already noted in this Thermadrol review, Thermadrol actually lists the side effects on their website. This is another unusual move by a diet pill company.

Thermadrol does not autoship their product. In other words, you have to re-order the product if you want more. They do not automatically ship it to you, as many diet pill companies do.  Another plus.

Best of all, Thermadrol tells you how much of each ingredient is included in their formula. This is the ONLY way to know how effective a diet pill actually is.  Thermadrol impresses us yet again.

Thermadrol conclusion

This Thermadrol review finds that Thermadrol is a legitimate diet pill. It contains several proven ingredients, most in proven amounts. We appreciate the upfront marketing. The inclusion of Hoodia adds nothing and we wish the guarantee were for more than 30 days. However, we do not doubt that Thermadrol diet pills can facilitate weight loss.

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 Anatrim?

According to the Anatrim website, the ingredients are as follows

• Anatrim 200mg
• Garcinia Cambogia PE 100mg
• Ginger Root Powder 50mg
• Dandelion Root Powder 50mg
• Green Tea PE 50mg
• Spirulina 50mg

The Anatrim website says,

“Anatrim gordonii is the botanical name for a cactus like plant that grows in Southern Africa.”

Search this ingredient online and you will find it does not exist. This is a fairly blatant attempt to disguise Hoodia gordonii. (Which is interesting since Hoodia is such a hugely popular ingredient right now). There is no record of Anatrim gordonii existing, and research does not support the claims that Hoodia gordonni is successful in contributing to weight loss. Just to reiterate: Hoodia Gordonii has absolutely no research to back its claims.

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.

There is no scientific proof that ginger root powder, dandelion root powder, or spirulina make any contribution to human weight loss.

Green tea has been researched and has proven to be effective in contributing to weight loss. However, the amount of green tea contained in Anatrim diet pills, a mere 50mg, is not enough to be effective.

Anatrim’s Marketing

Anatrim primarily markets through SPAM email. If this were a superior product, would they have to market it through illegal emails? The website that promotes and sells Anatrim diet pills (http://www.fatlossblend.com/index.php) lists no information on the manufacturer. There is no customer service email or phone number. They make bold claims but there is no guarantee. This is a huge red flag and smells like a scam everywhere we turn.

The website makes the following claims:

• Anatrim helps attack overweight
• Makes appetite go away like no other weight loss product does
• It’s made up of 100% natural and safe ingredients
• It’s a completely pure and unprocessed, all the ingredients are useful, no fillers
• It insures safe, quick fat loss
• Anatrim weight loss pills go without Caffeine or Ephedra!
• You can easily add it to your diets
• Help you to make your overweight vanish and get a new figure!
• Makes you feel and look gorgeous!

*Note: Green tea does contain caffeine.

How much does Anatrim cost?

One bottle of Anatrim costs $74.95 (on sale) and lasts one month. This Anatrim review finds that this is extremely expensive considering there are no proven ingredients at their clinical dosage (or even close).

Anatrim conclusion

Anatrim is manufactured and marketed by a shady company, whoever they may be. The ingredient Anatrim gordonii does not exist. Everything about this product is sketchy. This Anatrim review finds that you should stay away from this product! Go with a diet pill that tells you who makes it, for starters.