Provitalize is a dietary supplement marketed as a natural solution for women experiencing menopause symptoms, particularly weight gain, hot flashes, and bloating. Manufactured by Better Body Co., Provitalize contains a blend of probiotics, herbal extracts, and other natural compounds. This article delves into the ingredients of Provitalize, examines the claims made about its effectiveness for weight loss and menopause symptom relief, and explores potential risks and side effects associated with its use.
Understanding Provitalize's Ingredients
Provitalize's formula includes several key components, each purported to contribute to its overall benefits. The supplement is 100% natural, soy-free, gluten-free & GMO-Free.
Probiotic Blend
The primary ingredients in Provitalize are a blend of probiotic strains, specifically chosen for their potential impact on weight management and overall health. Probiotics are friendly bacteria known for aiding digestion, but research suggests they may offer broader benefits.
Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055: This probiotic strain is naturally found in the human gut. Studies suggest that daily consumption of L. gasseri SBT2055 may reduce visceral belly fat in overweight adults. In one small study, overweight adults who consumed fermented milk containing L. gasseri SBT2055 daily for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in visceral belly fat. A follow-up study found similar results, with people who consumed L. gasseri.
Bifidobacterium breve (IDCC 4401): This strain is well-known for its role in digestive health. Clinical research suggests that B. breve may also play a role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. In one clinical trial, adults with moderately elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol took probiotics containing B. breve IDCC 4401 daily for 12 weeks. Participants who took the probiotic saw a slight reduction in LDL cholesterol compared to those who received a placebo.
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Bifidobacterium lactis R101-8: A subtype of Bifidobacterium animalis that naturally lives in the human gut. It’s a common ingredient in probiotic supplements and may appear on the label as B. lactis or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. B. animalis subsp. Lab evidence suggests B. lactis may work by combating leaky gut and helping the body manage inflammatory messengers that affect metabolism.
Herbal Extracts
In addition to probiotics, Provitalize contains a blend of herbal extracts, each with its own set of purported health benefits.
Turmeric Root Extract: Turmeric is known for its bright yellow root, which contains curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most well-known. The ingredient label lists turmeric root extract as standardized to 95% curcuminoids. Scientists have studied curcumin for a wide range of health benefits, including supporting comfortable movement and temperature comfort. Curcumin, for one, gets a boost from piperine.
Moringa Leaf Extract: Found on the Provitalize ingredients list at 350 mg per serving, Moringa oleifera, also called the drumstick tree, is a drought-resistant plant native to India. Its seed pods and leafy greens have been used for centuries as both food and traditional medicine. Moringa leaf extract supports brain and cognitive health.
Curry Leaf Extract: As you read the ingredient list, you might recognize curry as a familiar menu item. Curry leaf has also been used in traditional wellness practices for its potential health benefits. Curry leaf extract improves digestion, reduces cholesterol, and promotes healthy hair.
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Other Ingredients
BioPerine®: This is a patented form of piperine, the active compound in black pepper. It’s included in the proprietary blend to help enhance absorption of nutrients.
Sunflower Lecithin: Sunflower lecithin is an ingredient that helps with nutrient delivery. Recognized by the FDA as safe for use in foods, sunflower lecithin has a long history as both a nutritional ingredient and a source of healthy fats. Makes all the ingredients fat soluble.
Delayed-Release Capsules: Ensures that the probiotic can properly absorb into the intestines by protecting it from stomach acid.
Claims and Benefits of Provitalize
Better Body Co. claims that Provitalize offers a range of benefits, primarily related to weight management and menopause symptom relief.
Weight Management
Provitalize is marketed as a thermogenic probiotic formula that supports the reduction in stubborn fat. The company claims that the thermogenic probiotics in Provitalize generate heat in the gut, which burns fat. They may also help with fat storage, calorie absorption, and support a person’s metabolism during exercise. They have also been studied to boost natural metabolism, ease cravings, manage calorie absorption, and impact fat storage. This is ideal for enhanced weight management support and control. Taking 2 capsules of Provitalize every morning allows the body to get into its most optimal fat-burning state. The benefits of having high metabolism are plenty. Most importantly, it helps to: ▪ Burn more fat ▪ Reduce weight gain ▪ Stay in good shape.
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Menopause Symptom Relief
Provitalize is a probiotic for people who are going through menopause. The hormonal changes a person experiences during this time can cause various symptoms. The company claims that these probiotics can help with weight management, ease hot flashes and night sweats, improve energy levels, manage bloating, and aid sleep. Better Body Co. states that these probiotics are suitable for females who are either pre or postmenopause. The company also says that males can take these probiotics if they wish.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While Provitalize is marketed as a natural supplement, it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects associated with its use.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
There is very little research to support the company’s claims about thermogenic probiotics. There is also no research to suggest that Provitalize produces the effects that the company claims. Better Body Co. does state that its claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company also says that weight loss is not guaranteed, results may vary, and people may not experience benefits for 6-8 weeks.
Potential Side Effects
Better Body Co. claims that Provitalize does not have any major known side effects. It states that some people may experience mild bloating to begin with due to the probiotic’s high potency.
Drug Interactions and Contraindications
The company does not recommend Provitalize for people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, or Cox2-inhibitors. A person who takes medication of any kind, has a medical condition, or is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their doctor before using Provitalize. Keep in mind that Provitalize interactions are possible, especially if you take blood thinners.
Liver Injury Case Report
A case report published in a medical journal described a 49-year-old woman who developed drug-induced liver injury (DILI) after taking Provitalize. The woman experienced jaundice, nausea, and decreased appetite. Her liver function tests were significantly elevated, and she was eventually listed for a liver transplant. Although she was offered a donor organ, she decompensated and died before the planned surgery. This case highlighted the severity of DILI in the form of acute liver failure (ALF) from the herbal supplement.
The report noted that the woman was taking one capsule of the supplement daily, while the manufacturing company recommends taking two capsules daily. The combination of ingredients in the supplement may be novel, and the synergistic or additive effects of turmeric, piperine, moringa, and curry leaf need to be further studied to observe a mechanism of liver injury.
Regulatory Status
Provitalize has not been approved and is not FDA regulated. However, Better Body Co. claims Provitalize is made in an FDA-registered and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facility. The supplement is readily available for consumers because HDS are considered to be foods and not drugs by the Food and Drug Administration. Thus, they are not required to go through rigorous testing that pharmaceutical companies go through when introducing a new drug on the market.
Alternatives to Provitalize
Several alternative products may help to manage menopause symptoms. These include:
Vitamins: Some vitamins may help reduce the effects of menopause, including vitamin A, B, C, D, and E. Some can be found in certain foods, or a person may take a supplement containing these vitamins.
Black Cohosh: This is an herb often taken to relieve menopause symptoms. It may help with some menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.
Essential Oils: Some essential oils may help with various symptoms, including mood swings and hot flashes. Some may also help with sexual dysfunction and fatigue.
Red Clover: This can be taken as a supplement or in an herbal tea. An older 2014 study over 12 weeks found that red clover was effective in reducing menopause symptoms compared to a placebo.
Soy: Soy isoflavones are structured in a similar way to estrogen. This means they may reduce menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes. A 2017 study found that soy isoflavones reduced menopause symptoms in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
It is important to note that there is limited research about the alternatives listed above. Furthermore, the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and efficacy. Therefore, a person may wish to consult a doctor before trying Provitalize or any of the alternatives above.
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