I'm always skeptical of any MLM supplement. The products aren't really any different than anything else on the market, but they have a different way of marketing, since their #1 goal is money and not health, so their prices are always higher.
You didn't say which product you were looking at, so I'll guess it's the weight loss forumla meal replacement.
Their site says:
Quote:
Fat-burners like new Advantra Z™, Tonalin (CLA) and L-Carnitine break down fat stores and increase metabolic rate without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. Soy protein burns fat and aids in the development of lean muscle, providing you with the firm, toned look you want. Patented CitriMax™ helps block fat absorption as it suppresses appetite. And a full array of vitamins and minerals keep your metabolic engine running in high gear.
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CLA: Clinical trials have been successful in mice, but none have proven weight loss in humans. However, CLA has been shown to help KEEP the fat off once your goal has been reached.
L-Carnitine: The average diet contains a small amount of carnitine. However, the body produces this amino acid naturally in the liver. The body cannot use more than it needs, so taking additional amounts of this supplement will have no impact on fat oxidation.
CitriMax: Also known as garcinia, or HCA. Studies on animals suggested that HCA might affect the way the body burns carbohydrates and stores fat. However, no studies have shown similar effects on humans. An extensive study by JAMA concluded: Garcinia cambogia failed to produce significant weight loss and fat mass loss beyond that observed with placebo.
Is HCA safe? According to Berkeley Wellness: no one knows if HCA has any long-term adverse effects; some animal research found that it's toxic. It may be combined with other diet compounds, and the safety of such products—witch's brews of herbs and chemicals—is certainly questionable. The PDR for Nutritional Supplements states that pregnant or nursing mothers, and those with dementia syndromes such as Alzheimer's disease should avoid HCA. They also state that those with diabetes should be cautious with it.
There is no evidence to show that HCA is beneficial for weight loss, and it can be harmful in some cases. It is better to wait and see what future research shows before taking it.
Advantra Z Also known as Citrus Aurantium. What is citrus aurantium? Orange bitters. Citrus aurantium also contains synephrin, which is used in nasal sprays.
According to the New York City Consumer Affairs statement on weight loss scams, "Synephrin, an active ingredient commonly found in nasal sprays, has never been tested in humans for weight-loss."
We did find one study of the effects of citrus aurantium on weight loss in rats. Repeated dosages of this supplement did in fact result in weight loss. It also resulted in death. "Our data indicate that, in the rat, antiobesity effects of C. aurantium are accompanied by toxic effects probably due to cardiovascular toxicity." No wonder it hasn't been tested on humans in this capacity.
The soy protein in the mix IS good, but can be purchased without all of those 'other' ingredients, and at a much lower price.
The Reviv label recommends taking Relìv Cellebrate along with the meal replacement. The active ingredient in it is more CitriMax.