2010 Clinical Trials Review FAT-BURNING SLIMMING WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS PROVEN NOT TO WORK L-CARNITINE AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS FOUND INEFFECTIVE IN FAT-BURNING & WEIGHT LOSS

Two papers presented at the recent International Obesity Conference focused on the most popular weight loss supplements available on the market, presenting hard-core clinical evidence that many fat-burning, weight loss supplements are no more effective than a placebo.

In Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials, a variety of supplements were proven to have no effect on weight loss or fat-burning.

Randomized, placebo controlled, partly-blinded eight-week trials were conducted, in which 189 overweight or obese individuals were given either a weight loss supplement in doses recommended by the manufacturers, or a placebo (inert non-active ingredient).

L-Carnitine, one of the supplements tested in the clinical trials, is the main ingredient in Nutraceutical products such as NeuroTrim, which claims “Drink Smart, Lose Weight.”

The FDA/FTC have already ruled and enforced their policy on fat burning products and drinks, which specifically state that:

“Weight loss claims on thermogenic fat-burning products are illegal and action will be taken against these products.”

The supplement products tested include:

•	L-Carnitine
•	Guarana seed powder
•	Polyglucosamide
•	Cabbage powder
•	Konjak extract
•	Sodiumalginate-complex
•	Bean concentrate
•	Selected plant extracts
•	Fiber formulation

Following the clinical trials, researchers stated that none (-0- percent) of the supplements tested resulted in “a significantly greater weight loss than the placebo.”

A second study, led by Dr. Igho Onakpoya of Peninsula Medical School at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, UK, consisted of “the first systematic review of all existing clinical trials on weight loss supplements.”

In this study, the weight loss supplements included:

•	Chromium picolinate (not Polynicotinate or Niacin-Bound Chromium)
•	Bitter orange
•	CLA: Conjugated linoleic acid
•	Calcium
•	Guar gum
•	Glucomannan
•	Chitosan

CONCLUSIONS

The independent reviewers concluded that there was no scientific evidence that any of the supplements tested reduced bodyweight or were effective for reducing weight.