Xenadrine Ultimate is a weight loss supplement marketed for its ability to promote fast weight loss, extreme energy, and increased metabolism. It is the successor to previous Xenadrine formulations, including Xenadrine Core, and shares some ingredients with its predecessors. This article examines the ingredients of Xenadrine Ultimate, its purported effectiveness based on clinical studies, and potential safety concerns associated with its use.
Ingredients of Xenadrine Ultimate
Xenadrine Ultimate contains eight ingredients, a mix of those found in previous Xenadrine products and some new additions. The ingredients include:
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: This is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements, believed to aid weight loss due to its chlorogenic acid content.
- Caffeine Anhydrous (200mg): A potent stimulant known for its energy-boosting and metabolism-enhancing effects. Xenadrine has long been a brand synonymous with energy, and this formula really delivers. Caffeine anhydrous has been scientifically shown to support increased metabolism.
- Yohimbe: An ingredient often used for its potential fat-burning properties and stimulant effects.
- Theanine: An amino acid known for its calming effects, often combined with caffeine to mitigate some of its negative side effects.
- Garcinia Cambogia: A fruit extract that has been promoted for weight loss, although its effectiveness is debated.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that may help the body manage stress and potentially support weight management.
- Autumn Olive Fruit: This ingredient is less common in weight loss supplements, and its specific role in Xenadrine Ultimate is not well-defined.
- Spearmint Leaf Extract: This ingredient is also less common and its specific role in Xenadrine Ultimate is not well-defined.
Claims of Effectiveness and Clinical Studies
Xenadrine Ultimate is marketed with claims of fast weight loss, supported by two clinical studies. These studies are highlighted on the product packaging and in promotional materials:
- Study 1: An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study funded by the makers of Xenadrine. Test subjects using the key ingredients (a powerful weight loss complex of frauenmantle, wild olive, cormino, and horsemint) lost an average of nearly 17 lbs versus 2 lbs for the placebo group. Both groups followed a calorie-reduced diet.
- Study 2: A 12-week third-party, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Test subjects using the same key ingredients in Xenadrine lost an average of nearly 21 lbs versus the placebo group, who lost an average of nearly 2 lbs. Both groups followed a calorie-reduced diet.
It is important to note that the first study was funded by the makers of Xenadrine, which could introduce bias. While the second study was third-party, the specific details of these studies, including the methodology and statistical significance, should be examined critically to assess the validity of the weight loss claims.
Safety Concerns and Adverse Events
Previous formulations of Xenadrine, particularly those containing ephedra, have been associated with serious adverse health events. Ephedra, a stimulant that was once a key ingredient in many weight loss supplements, has been linked to cardiovascular problems, psychiatric issues, and even death. Due to these safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedra in 2004.
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Historical Context: Ephedra and Xenadrine
In November 2001, ABC News reported a case where the herbal weight loss supplement Xenadrine was implicated in a manslaughter case. Julia Campagna, the driver, claimed that the herbal weight loss supplement Xenadrine made her psychotic. Campagna claimed she was delusional, hearing voices from her car radio that were urging her to drive faster. Campagna and the families of her victims sued Cytodyne Technologies, the manufacturer of Xenadrine, claiming that the main ingredients in the capsules - ephedrine and caffeine - can be a dangerous combination. Psychiatric journals have documented other cases of people who took ephedra and caffeine products, who showed symptoms of mental problems. Cytodyne attorneys deny the product causes psychosis. The product's label warns, "do not use if you are at risk or being treated for psychiatric disease."
A case report published in a medical journal described a young, active, previously healthy body builder who used Xenadrine® RFA, an ephedra-containing supplement, at recommended doses for nearly a year; he then experienced an acute myocardial infarction, which was documented to be secondary to thrombosis in situ. The myocardial infarction was likely caused by in situ coronary thrombosis, perhaps related to transient coronary spasm and transient platelet activation as a result of intense sympathetic activity. Coronary angiography revealed thrombotic occlusion of the anterior descending artery with no demonstrable underlying atherosclerotic plaque and no evidence of active coronary spasm. Xenadrine RFA contained 335 mg of ma huang (ephedra alkaloid) and 910 mg of guarana seed (equivalent to caffeine) per recommended dose. The manufacturer recommended that it be taken 2 to 3 times a day.
The FDA's adverse event reporting system has served a useful purpose in drawing attention to the potential public health concerns over Xenadrine RFA and similar over-the-counter preparations, the FDA was initially somewhat slow to react. In December 2003, however, the FDA announced that it would be removing ephedra from the market place, and the final ruling went into effect on 12 April 2004. This was the 1st time that the FDA had banned an herbal supplement.
Current Concerns
While Xenadrine Ultimate does not contain ephedra, it does contain a high dose of caffeine (200mg per serving) and yohimbe, both of which are stimulants. These ingredients can cause side effects such as:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal issues
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly heart problems or psychiatric disorders, should avoid Xenadrine Ultimate. It is also important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications or supplements.
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