October 31, 2014
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The bright spot in sports nutrition/weight loss continues to be the glow of protein. Interest in plant-based proteins, including rising stars pea protein and brown rice protein, appear to be driving growth in new consumer segments as the category moves further into the mainstream. Garden of Life Raw Fit starts out with brown rice protein as part of a sprouted blend totaling 28 grams of protein. It also uses the requisite 400 mg Svetol brand green coffee for weight, 4 grams of fiber, an ingredient blend for blood-sugar management, and some probiotics and enzymes for digestion and general gut health. Add a scoop to your favorite drink. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan. SRP: $47.20, 16 oz.
Advantra Z is a branded ingredient based on an extract of Citrus aurantium. It is a so-called thermogenic ingredient, which works to increase the body’s metabolism. Studies confirm its safety—a concern because the ingredient seems to work in a similar (though less potent) manner as ephedra. One meta-analysis grouped more than 20 studies on 360 subjects. In general, bitter orange extracts either alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients led to “modest increases in weight loss” when taken for six to 12 weeks. SRP: $10.99, 60 capsules
The original carb controller, Phase 2 is a white kidney bean extract that neutralizes the enzyme responsible for converting starch into glucose, allowing starch and carbohydrates to pass through the system with less caloric absorption. The upshot is a reduction in the after-meal spike in blood-sugar levels. The formulation also includes chromium, which may be the best ingredient for blood-sugar management. It works by moving blood sugar from the bloodstream into the cells so it can be used as energy. Ten clinical studies have demonstrated weight loss over time following administration of Phase 2. The doses ranged from 445 mg for four weeks to 3,000 mg for eight to 12 weeks. Those who consumed the greatest amount of carbohydrate lost the most body weight in comparison to the placebo groups. SRP: $31.49, 120 capsules
Garcinia cambogia has been a strong seller for NOW. This formulation is powered by 1.5 grams Super CitriMax brand Garcinia cambogia—today’s hottest weight-management ingredient. The product also uses ChromeMate brand chromium polynicotinate, which addresses the blood sugar management side of the equation. That makes sense because it’s called “diabesity” for a reason. NOW Foods manufactures this in a GMP-compliant facility and is free from wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. SRP: $23.99, 90 capsules
Meratrim is a blend of two herbs, Garcinia mangostana and Sphaeranthus indicus. In one published study, 100 obese people took 400 mg Meratrim twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. They were placed on strict 2,000-calorie diets. After eight weeks, the subjects taking Meratrim lost more than 11 pounds and 4.7 inches off their waistlines (compared with 3.3 pounds and 2.4 inches for the placebo group, respectively), and also had reductions in fasting blood-glucose and total cholesterol levels. As manufacturers will do, NutriGold added in Garcinia cambogia extract to the formula. SRP: $37.98, 60 vegetarian capsules
Meratrim is a blend of two herbs, Garcinia mangostana and Sphaeranthus indicus. In one published study, 100 obese people took 400 mg Meratrim twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. They were placed on strict 2,000-calorie diets. After eight weeks, the subjects taking Meratrim lost more than 11 pounds and 4.7 inches off their waistlines (compared with 3.3 pounds and 2.4 inches for the placebo group, respectively), and also had reductions in fasting blood-glucose and total cholesterol levels. As manufacturers will do, NutriGold added in Garcinia cambogia extract to the formula. SRP: $37.98, 60 vegetarian capsules
Finding the magic pill to lose weight without the discomfort of effort is the secret desire of overweight Americans from coast to coast. Ever since the most magic pill of all—ephedra combined with aspirin and caffeine—was taken off the market by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004, the market has clamored for the next thing.
For 2013, weight loss pill sales grew at 11.6 percent, up from 10.4 percent the year before, according to Nutrition Business Journal. Lately, there has been a decline in product sales targeting weight management. According to product scan data from SPINS, supplement sales marketed for weight loss in the natural channel turned negative in June—exactly around the time Dr. Mehmet Oz got hauled up in front of Congress to testify on what were touted as his “weight-loss diet scams.”
Still, there are products that do their due diligence by providing modest weight-management solutions, in particular when combined with exercise, diet and even counseling. There. We said it.
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