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| Popular Weight Loss Products | Chitosan Supplements
* Characteristics: pills contain a dietary fiber derived from the shells of shellfish, claim that taking the pills will reduce fat absorption, lower cholesterol and promote weight loss, typical recommendations are to take 2 - 6 grams of chitosan per day, divided into doses of 1 gram with each meal.
* Weaknesses: may cause gas, bloating and diarrhea; at high intakes, may block the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
* Comments: studies have shown weight loss occurs only when chitosan supplements are combined with a low-fat, reduced calorie diet.
Chromium Supplements
* Characteristics: claims that pills will lower blood sugar reduce body fat, control hunger; reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increase muscle mass. Supplements are generally available as chromium salts which helps increase the absorption of chromium.
* Weaknesses: one form of chromium, called chromium picolinate, may cause adverse side effects, including anemia, memory loss and DNA damage.
* Comments: approximately 50 percent of scientific studies have shown chromium has a beneficial effect, while the remaining studies have shown no effect.
St. John's Wort Supplements
* Characteristics: claims that supplementing with St. John's Wort will restrain appetite and promote weight loss.
* Weaknesses: side effects may comprise gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness, insomnia and mild allergic reactions.
* Comments: along with the Food and Drug Administration, St. John's Wort has not been proven safe or effective for weight loss; not suggested for children, or for pregnant or breast feeding women.
Green Tea Extract Supplements
* Characteristics: pills include polyphenols, which are extracted from green tea and are thought to be strong antioxidants, may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase weight loss.
* Weaknesses: extracts that also contain caffeine may lead to restlessness or insomnia.
* Comments: more studies are still needed to find out if green tea extracts are beneficial for weight loss; select extracts that have “standardized polyphenol content"; those taking aspirin or blood thinning medications should consult their doctor before taking green tea extracts, because green tea extracts may interfere with blood clotting.
Spirulina Supplements (Algae Tablets)
* Characteristics:
1) Take tablets as an appetite suppressant before meals;
2) Replace evening meals with 6-10 spirulina tablets;
3) In a modified fast, take only spirulina and drink juice for several days.
* Strengths: spirulina does contain essential nutrients and can be an acceptable food when used as part of a varied diet.
* Weaknesses: taken in large amounts on top of an adequate diet, spirulina could lead to toxic levels of certain nutrients; does not teach sound eating habits.
* Comments: tablets are expensive.
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