Guide to Weight Loss Supplements

• Synephrine (or Citrus aurantium, bitter orange): Physiological effect is similar to the banned supplement ephedra. Synephrine increases metabolic rate and caloric expenditure by targeting tissues such as fat stores as sources of energy. It is important to note that unlike ephedra, synephrine has no effect on heart rate or blood pressure and will not cause “jitteriness”. Synephrine is thought to have effects similar to other stimulants, such as increased energy levels and suppressed appetite.Products to try: EAS Thermo DynamX , ISATORI Lean System 7 , NVE PHARMACEUTICALS Stacker 2 - Ephedra Free, SAN Tight - Ephedrine Free, TWINLAB Ripped Fuel - Ephedra Free
• Caffeine, guarana, kola nut, green tea extract: Caffeine is the most popular stimulant used for weight loss. Caffeine moderately elevates metabolic rate, encouraging thermogenesis, but not so much that you’d lose 20 lbs. sitting on the couch. It is more effective as an energy booster prior to exercise, enabling you to work out harder for longer periods of time. Caffeine can be listed under the following ingredient names: guaranine, guarana, green tea extract, kola nut, or yerba mate. Products to try: ISATORI Lean System 7 , EAS Thermo DynamX , NVE PHARMACEUTICALS Stacker 2 - Ephedra Free, NVE PHARMACEUTICALS Stacker 3 - Ephedra Free, CYTODYNE Xenadrine EFX - Ephedrine Free, MUSCLETECH Hydroxycut (New Formula)
• 7 Keto (or 7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone): 7 keto, a metabolite of DHEA with fewer side effects, increases metabolism and encourages fat loss. Unlike stimulants, however, 7 keto attempts to increase metabolic rate by affecting the thyroid gland. By increasing the release of T3, the thyroid hormone that has the greatest effect on metabolic rate, 7 keto is shown to be very beneficial as a weight loss supplement. Products to try: ISATORI Lean System 7, UNIVERSAL NUTRITION Zero G - Mega Fat Loss System, TWINLAB 7-KETO Fuel, TWINLAB MaxiLIFE - 7-Keto
• Guggul: Made from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, guggul supplements contain compounds called guggulsterones which reportedly reduce blood cholesterol and fat levels. Guggul resin is also said to help normalize thyroid function, which may have a positive effect on metabolism. Products to try: ABSOLUTE NUTRITION Thyrox T-3, PROLAB NUTRITION Metabolic Thyrolean (TwinPack), SAN Tight - Ephedrine Free, SYNTRAX Guggul Bolic, VPX SPORTS Redline

• Gymnema: Helps control blood sugar levels by suppressing the transport of glucose from the intestines into the bloodstream. Thus, insulin is moderated which helps control hunger and cravings. Products to try: NATURE'S WAY Blood Sugar w/ Gymnema Extract, NATURE'S WAY Gymnema - Standardized Extract
• Glucomannan: A soluble fiber that binds with other substances in the digestive tract to slow digestion. This helps regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the absorbtion of fat and carbohydrates in the intestines. Moreover, glucomannan can absorb up to 200 times its weight in water which can lead to a feeling of fullness and suppress appetite. Product to try: TRIM SPA X32.
• Chromium: A mineral that helps to regulate blood sugar and improve glucose tolerance, helping to suppress appetite. Products to try: METABOLIFE Ultra, MUSCLETECH Hydroxycut, OPTIMUM NUTRITION Ripped Fast, TWINLAB Chromic Fuel

• 5-HTP (or 5-Hydroxytryptophan): Low levels of the brain chemical serotonin is responsible for depression and increase in appetite. Serotonin levels drop during a dieting phase, and this may lead to increased cravings for carbohydrates. 5-HTP boosts serotonin levels and thereby helps control the appetite. 5-HTP should not be used by individuals who are currently taking SSRI or MAOI antidepressants. Products to try: NATROL 5-HTP (50mg), NATURE'S WAY 5-HTP, NOW 5-HTP (100mg)
• Others: Products to try: UNIVERSAL NUTRITION Animal Cuts (Ephedra Free)

Carbohydrate blockers contain the ingredient phaseolamin, an extract of the white kidney bean. Phaseolamin inhibits alpha amylase, a key enzyme in the digestion process of carbohydrates. Digestion is slowed, and less carbohydrate is converted to glucose in the body. Since excess glucose is often converted into body fat, carbohydrate blockers may help avoid the storage of new body fat. Fat blockers contain the ingredient chitosan, made from the shells of shellfish. Chitosan is thought to bind to fat molecules in the digestive tract, preventing the body from absorbing excess fat. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of chitosan. Products to try: NATROL Carb Intercept with Phase 2, NATROL Chitosan (500mg) (fat blocker) , NOW Low-Carb Diet Defender with Phase 2, UNIVERSAL NUTRITION Carb Block, UNIVERSAL NUTRITION Chitosan Plus (fat blocker)

• Fish oil/Flax oil: Fish oil and flax oil are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Products to try:HEALTH FROM THE SUN Total EFA, NATURE'S WAY Fisol - Fish Oil, NOW Omega 3-6-9 (1000mg), TWINLAB Complete EFA, HEALTH FROM THE SUN Organic Flax Oil - Liquid Gold.
• CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): CLA is an omega 6 fatty acid. In addition to helping regulate the glucose/insulin response, CLA has also been shown in preliminary studies to promote fat loss and an increase in lean body mass. More research needs to be done, however, so consult your physician about supplementing with CLA. Products to try:EAS CLA, EAS Lean DynamX, HEALTH FROM THE SUN SunPower CLA, NATROL Tonalin CLA (1000mg), NATURE'S WAY Tonalin XS CLA, NOW CLA (1000mg), OPTIMUM NUTRITION CLA, SOURCE NATURALS Tonalin 1000 CLA, TWINLAB CLA Fuel

There are other fat burning supplements that do not fall into the above categories.

• Pyruvate: A form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate is synthesized in the body and consumed in food. Pyruvate assists in the production of ATP, an important biological energy source, and has been shown in studies to significantly increase fat loss when paired with exercise and a healthy diet. Animal studies show that pyruvate may increase metabolism and reduce insulin resistance. Additional research findings indicate that pyruvate may also increase exercise endurance, further helping to promote fat loss. Products to try: NOW Pyruvate (1000mg), PINNACLE Pyruvate - 1000 mg, SOURCE NATURALS Pyruvate Power (750mg)