Slimming pill ingredients, positive and negative aspects
Slimming is a mega-billion dollar industry throughout the world and South
Africa is no exception. Wherever you look, in newspapers, magazines,
supermarkets, chemist and health shops, on TV and the radio, you will find
adverts and products which promise you painless, effortless weight loss provided
you take product X or swallow pill Y. So what do these 'magic' pills and drops
really contain?
A random survey of some of the most popular over-the-counter slimming
products sold in South Africa, showed that most of these diet pills contain the
following ingredients in varying concentrations and combinations:
Acetic acid - Apple cider vinegar
Amino acids - BCAA (branched chain amino acids), L-glutamine, L-glycine, Taurine,
L-tyrosine, DL-phenylalanine
L-carnitine
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
Creatine
Epinephrine in various forms (pharmacological and herbal products)
Fibre - guar gum, pectin, psyllium, methylcellolose, bran
Herbal extracts - guarana, cayenne, dandelion root, ginseng, uva ursi, bitter
orange extract or citrus aurantium, ginger root, white willow bark
Hydroxycitrine or - citrate (HCA) or garcinia cambogia
Kelp and seaweed extracts
Phenolphtalein
Pyruvate
Trace elements - chromium, boron, selenium
Vitamins - B complex
Acetic acid
Example
Effects
Side-effects/Caution
Apple cider vinegar - common product of apple fermentation
No scientific proof that using vinegar made from apples,
differs from any other vinegar
(acetic acid) used for cooking. No proven slimming effect.
Non-toxic. Probably harmless if taken in moderate
quantities.
Amino acids
1) BCAA
Example
Effects
Side-effects/Caution
BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) - valine, isoleucine, and
leucine - essential amino acids found in all animal protein foods
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products - much larger quantities are ingested daily from protein
foods. Excessive intakes can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances
4) Taurine
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Taurine - non-essential amino acid, produced in the human
body, found in animal protein foods
Neurotransmitter; Muscle metabolism; Conjugates bile acids
and may lower blood cholesterol levels
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products - much larger quantities are ingested daily from protein
foods. Excessive intakes may cause overstimulation of the nervous system
5) L-Tyrosine
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
L-tyrosine - non-essential amino acid, produced in the human
body
Converted to neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, epinephrine
and dopamine which suppress appetite and prevent tiredness, produces a
'high'. Tyrosine combines with iodine to form thyroid hormones
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products - much larger quantities are ingested daily from protein
foods.
See side-effects, contra-indications and warnings for epinephrine below.
6) DL-Phenylalanine
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
DL-phenylalanine - essential amino acid, found in protein
foods
Triggers release of cholyccystokinine (CCK) which increases
satiety. Converts norepinephrine which suppresses appetite, increases
energy, lifts the mood, poroduces a 'high'. Converted to tyrosine (see 5
above)
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products - much larger quantities are ingested daily from protein
foods.
Excessive intakes may produce epinephrine side-effects (see belwo).
Harmful to patients with phenylketonuria.
Warning: Harmful to patients with
phenylketonuria
L-Carnitine
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
L-Carnitine - biological compound, produced in the human
body, found in protein foods
Transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria of
the cell to serve as fuel during exercise; improves cardiovascular
function and muscle strength; decreases fatigue; may decrease body fat if
combined with a strenuous exercise programme
No evidence that it removes fat from fat depots especially
at the low levels included in slimming products. No evidence that L-carnitine
deficiency is common.
Conjugate Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - essential omega-6 fatty
acid, found in protein foods ( beef, turkey, dairy products)
Antioxidant; may increase lean body mass and reduce body fat
No conclusive evidence that it lowers body fat in humans
-additional research required. Excessive intake may interfere with omega-3
uptake.
Creatine
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Creatine Monohydrate - found in most animal protein foods
Improves exercise performance over short distances and brief
periods (<30 seconds) by enhancing body pool of creatine phosphate, may
prevent fatigue; best used with intensive exercise programme
Recommended doses must not be exceeded. Can cause weight
gain. Long-term use may have negative effects - additional research
required - "more is not necessarily better"
Epinephrine
1) Pharmacological products
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Epinephrine, norepinephrine, norpseudoepinephrine, also
called adrenalin or nor-adrenalin
Suppresses appetite, increases energy, lifts the mood,
produces a 'high'
Contraindications: Should not be used in pregnancy,
breastfeeding, high blood pressure or hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes,
closed-angle glaucoma, heart disease, prostate enlargement. Should not be used
by children and teenagers.
Special warning: Can become addictive. Can be
abused. Effects wears off over time, requiring larger doses.
Contraindications: Should not be used in pregnancy, breatfeeding, high blood
pressure or hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, closed-angle glaucoma,
heart disease, prostate enlargement, children and teenagers.
Special warning: Can become addictive. Can be abused. Effects wears off over
time, requiring larger doses.
Ephedrine in any form is a banned substance in sport.
Fibre and Gums
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Guar gum, pectin derived from apples, citrus fruit, psyllium,
methylcellulose, bran derived from cereals
Fibre swells when mixed with liquid in the digetsive tract,
thus causing a feeling of satiety (fullness) and stimulating peristalsis,
thus reducing the length of time that food is present in the digestive
tract. Fibre lowers blood cholestrol levels.
Small amounts used in slimming products may not be
sufficient to produce satiety. Dietary fibre in standard foods is just as,
if not better, for producing satiety and increasing peristalsis. Excessive
intakes of fibre, esp. psyllium and methylcellulose can cause diarrhoea,
bloating, cramps and interfere with mineral uptake. Dietary fibre in
standard foods lowers the energy content of foods.
Herbal extracts
1) Guarana
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Guarana contains caffeine
Stimulant, suppresses appetite, increases energy, lifts the
mood, produces a 'high', diuretic
Headache, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, excitement, muscle
tremor and gastric ulcers. Excessive intake can casue dehydration.
Contra-indidcations : Should not be used during pregnancy or breatsfeeding,
or by children and teenagers.
Special warning: Can become addictive. Can be abused. Effects wears off over
time, requiring larger doses.
Caffeine in large doses More than 12 ug/ml of urine) is a banned substance in
sport.
2) Cayenne
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Cayenne
Improves circulation. May counteract ulcers.
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products. Benefit not proven scientifically.
3) Dandelion
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Dandelion root or extract - taraxacum
Laxative
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products. If taken in excess, it may cause diarrhoea, upset the
fluid and electrolyte balance and prevent absorption of vital nutrients
leading to deficiencies.
4) Ginseng
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Ginseng (American, Chinese, Siberian or Korean)
Can increase energy, counteract fatigue, repair damage due
to stress, aids recovery after exercise, may lower blood sugar levels.
Appetite stimulant! Products may vary in strength and
quality because of the high cost of the original ginseng root. May cause
insomnia, asthma, hypertension, fever, fibrocystic breasts, emphysema,
hypoglycaemia, irregular heartbeat, palpitations and blood clotting
problems.
5) Uva ursi
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Uva ursi (bearberry leaves, busselrole)
Diuretic
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products. If taken in excess, it may cause dehydration and upset
the fluid and electrolyte balance.
6) Bitter orange extract or citrus aurantium
(See above - herbal products that contain epinephrine - note side-effects,
contraindications and warnings!)
7) Ginger root
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Ginger root (gengibre, ingwer)
Prevents nausea and motion sickness
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products. May be added to counteract side-effects of other
ingredients!
8) White willow bark
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
White Willow Bark contains salicin, the same chemical
aspirin is derived from!
Prevents pain. Prostaglandin inhibitor.
Nausea, vomiting, bleeding ulcers, severe reactions in
asthmatics, kidney damage, dissiness, anaemia, skin eruptions,
bronchospasm, breathlessness, prevents blood clotting. reye's syndrome in
children.
Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation, young children, patients with
peptic ulcers, anaemia, haemophilia, kidney disease, and those taking
anticoagulant therapy.
Hydroxycitrine (HCA)
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Hydroxycitrine or-citrate (HCA) or Garcinia cambogia
May stimulate the Krebs Cycle or inhibit the ensyme citrine
lyase which may inhibit fat deposition
Probably non-toxic because of small quantities included in
slimming products. Slimming effects not proven - additional research
required.
Kelp and seaweed extracts
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Kelp, seaweed extracts, ascophyllum nodosum, agar
Contains iodine and other trace minerals that may stimulate
metabolsim. Agar may produce a feeling of satiety.
Iodine supplementation not required in South Africa as table
salt is iodated by law. Excessive intake of iodine may cause thyroid
problems.
Phenolphthalein
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Phenolphthalein
Laxative
Allergis reactions including skin eruptions, rashes, cramps,
colic, cardiac and respiratory distress, diarrhoea which may cause
dehydration, fluid and electrolyte imbalance and deficiencies, and lead to
colon malfunction.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, patients with sensitivity to this
compound.
Pyruvate
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Pyruvate, pyruvic acid
Acts as a substrate in the Krebs Cycle releasing energy when
oxidised
Probably non-toxic. Slimming effects of pyruvate taken
orally are not proven. Additional research required
Trace elements
1) Chromium
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Chromium picolinate or polynicotate
Regulates blood glucose levels and promotes weight loss.
The optimum dose is 200 microgram per day. this does should
not be exceeded. Excessive intakes of chromium and other trace elements
can cause toxicity. "More is not better!"
2) Boron
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Boron salts
Influences calcium and magnesium metabolism. May increase
testosterone levels in the body, thus promoting lean muscle development.
Doses should not exceed 50 mg/day as Boron may be
toxic. "More is not better!".
2) Selenium
Example
Effects
Side effects/Caution
Selenium salts
Involved in fat metabolism, vitamin E and antioxidant
functions
RDA is 70 ug for men, 55 ug for women per day. Excessive
intakes may be toxic. "More is not better!"
Many slimming pills and products contain added vitamins, particularly of the
water-soluble B complex group - thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (nicotinamide),
pyridoxine (B6), folate ( folic acid), cobalamin (B12) pantothenic acid, biotin
and vitamin C. These vitamins play important roles in most chemical reactions in
the human body and are, therefore, capable of stimulating metabolsim. Vitamin C
is also an important antioxidant, but does not have any slimming properties.
Unless water-soluble vitamins are present in excessive amounts exceeding their
RDA's they should not have adverse effects.
Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, and D, should not be taken in
amounts exceeding their RDAs of 5000 IU and 400 IU respectively per day.
References
Bears B (1999). Amino acids help reduce appetite. Medical Chronicle. p.31
Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy. 10th edition. (2000) Editors: L.K.
Mahan and
S.l Escott-Stump. WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia.
Martindale. The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 29th edition. (1989) Editor: J.E.F
Reynolds, The Pharmaceutical Press, London.
MIMS Medical Specialities, 2002, Vol 42, No 10, MIMS, Pinegowrie.
MIMS permitted and Banned Drugs in Sport. 1996. MIMS, Pretoria
MIMS Self-Medication Guide. 1990. MIMS, Pretoria.
The Merck Manual, 16th edition, 1992. Editor: R. Berkow, Merck Research
Laboratories, New Jersey.
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