Diet Supplements

Weight loss supplements appear to be quick and easy solutions for shedding pounds. Confident health claims, attractive product labeling and all-natural ingredients encourage dieters to choose one of the 50 individual supplements or 125 combination blends available. However, there is controversy with the claims, safety, and efficacy of these supplements.

Ingredients

The following is a list of popular ingredients:

• Bitter orange (synephrine)
• Caffeine
• Chromium
• Ginseng
• Guar Gum
• Psyllium
• Glucomannon
• L-carnitine
• Green tea
• Hydroxycitric acid
• Vitamin B5
• Licorice
• Conjugated linoleic acid (LCA)
• Pyruvate
• Chitosan (crustacean shells)
• Dandelion
• Cascara
• Apple cider vinegar
• St. John’s Wort
• Spirulina

These compounds are said to influence particular biological functions of the body. An increase in energy expenditure such as accelerated use of carbohydrate and fat, an enhanced feeling of fullness, limited fat absorption and diuretic properties are common purported functions of diet supplements. St. John’s Wort claims to help with weight loss by its ability to alleviate depression and hence decrease food intake among emotional eaters.

Label Claims

Since manufacturers are not regulated by authoritative agencies, there are no guidelines for what can be printed on product labels. Hence, labels often exploit the function of a particular substance. For example, claims of weight loss with chromium have been generated from its ability to increase carbohydrate and fat metabolism. However, data does not support this theory. Ginseng is believed to influence glucose tolerance, but no studies have proven it to induce weight loss.

Labels are not required to specify the amount of the ingredients in the supplement. Caffeine is a stimulant used in many of them. In a study examining a pill’s composition, the amount of caffeine was equal to 30 cans of cola, although the label stated it contained one cup’s worth. In similar studies, researchers found substandard amounts of the ingredients necessary for any potential changes of metabolic systems.

Safety

Serious side effects have been reported with the use and misuse of diet supplements. Ephedra has been banned in the United States due to its dangerous effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Bitter orange behaves similar to ephedra and should be used with caution. Unfortunately, the adverse health effects are made public only after an incident has been reported.

Furthermore, since labels are not verified for accuracy, companies can state that their product is safe although it has not been tested. Inaccurate ingredient amounts remain a critical safety issue. Migraines, gastric upset and irregular heart rhythm caused by caffeine intake are dangerous side effects for certain individuals. Also, due to the influence on major metabolic systems of the body, persons with diabetes or heart conditions are strongly advised to avoid taking diet pills.

Products have been found to contain too much or toxic forms of the substance. For example, one study found hexavalent chromium in a product which is the toxic and carcinogenic form of the mineral. High levels of lead and pesticides have been discovered in some products also. For more findings, check out http://www.consumerlabs.com/news/news_110705.asp

Do They Work?

The quantities necessary to influence a possible weight reduction are usually unrealistic. For instance, a person has to drink a few quarts of green tea to obtain its benefit of suppressing appetite, burning calories, and increasing energy production. Supplements often do not contain nearly the amounts speculated to cause weight loss.

There is not one vitamin, mineral, herb or combination proven to reduce body weight. Most weight loss pills have shown insufficient or conflicting evidence when studied in human trials. Fiber will help fill you up with fewer calories, but eating a fiber-rich diet is a beneficial alternative to a pill form. In general, a low-calorie healthy diet along with exercise is a more effective way to lose weight.

If you do choose to take supplements, experts suggest the following:

• Select single ingredient products for the possibility of better quality
• Be wary of specialty blends as amounts may not be given for each ingredient
• Diabetics should be advised by physician before taking supplements
• Persons with cardiovascular risks should be careful with caffeine and caffeine- containing supplements