Facts About Dexatrim
Dexatrim is one diet supplement that changes like a chameleon. It seems a new mix of supposedly effective weight loss ingredients is concocted into an all new “proprietor’s blend” formulation every few years. In 2001, Dexatrim products were recalled because they contained the ingredient phenylpropanolamine (PPA) , which over time became strongly linked to increased stroke risk, and was subsequently banned by the FDA. Then, in 2002, the FDA recalled all products containing the ingredient ephedra due to its serious and harmful side effects such as stroke, heart attack and even death. Chettem Inc., the manufacturer of Dexatrim, was yet again forced to pull its reformulated products with ephedra from the market. Now, we have a whole new line of Dexatrim products containing a multitude of new and mysterious ingredients.
Supplements are not regulated
It is important to note that because Dexatrim is a “dietary supplement ” and is available over the counter, none of the company’s claims about the product’s safety or effectiveness have been validated by the FDA. Thus, the makers of “dietary supplements” are generally at liberty to assert what they want to assert to sell a product.
For more information on things to look out for when buying supplements see the following article from TheDietChannel: How To Protect Yourself When Purchasing Supplements.
Dexatrim’s ingredient list
When taking any over the counter supplement it’s important to be a savvy consumer and make sure you understand exactly what you’re putting in your body. Keep in mind that “natural” does not always equal safe. This was clearly demonstrated when the “all natural” ephedra was banned from products. Let’s go through the ingredients listed on a box of “Dexatrim Results Ephedra Free” so you can be more informed should you choose to buy it.
Serving size: 1 caplet |
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Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) |
These are all naturally occurring vitamins and minerals found in everyday foods. You could get a much greater amount of each of these by eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fat free dairy products daily. There is no established science that chromium enhances weight loss either. Nothing magical here. |
Proprietary Herbal Blend #1: Bitter Orange Peel Extract Yohimbe Bark Eleuthero Root Licorice Root Rutin Kelp Fenugreek Seed Hesperidin |
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Proprietary Herbal Blend #2: Cocoa Extract Caffeine Green Tea Leaf Extract |
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OTHER INGREDIENTS: |
These are fillers, and ingredients to support product stability. None are related to weight loss. |
What’s the verdict on Dexatrim?
There are no independent studies to validate Dexatrim’s effectiveness or safety. The product has undergone two revisions in the past six years due to the removal of two harmful ingredients: ephedra and PPA. Bitter orange—included in Dexatrim’s current product—could well prove to be harmful as well. The jury is still out on this one. Regardless, there is no panacea for weight loss in this revised formula. Time and research prove that the best combination for successful long term weight loss is a modest calorie reduction, regular exercise and monitoring your eating with self analysis or a food diary.