FDA Regulation
Dietary supplements do not follow strict guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration. Consequently, any dietary product that is bought over the counter is not regulated by the FDA. When a company markets a particular product, it can make claims about the product in order to sell it. Only when an ingredient is known to cause serious side effects does the FDA step in to regulate the situation. It is then that a company can restructure its product to contain a different ingredient under the same product name.
Ingredients
Dexatrim's newest line of dietary supplements now contain an ingredient known as bitter orange. Bitter orange is a type of stimulant, that in chemical structure, is very similar to ephedrine. Yohimbe bark is also an ingredient. The bark has been known to cause possible side effects such as increased blood pressure, headaches and heart palpitations. Licorice root is also an included ingredient which is linked to high blood pressure if taken in high doses.
Caffeine
Some of Dexatrim's products contain some amounts of caffeine. According to Dexatrim's own site, two of its products contain at least 50 milligrams of caffeine per serving. The dosage is low enough to not create any serious side effects. One would need to consume more than 500 milligrams to experience side effects such as insomnia, stomach upset or twitching. However, if you are sensitive to even minute amounts of caffeine, you could suffer from sleep disorders, irritability and restlessness. Dexatrim's site even recommends not taking a supplement in the evening because of its warning to people who may be sensitive to caffeine.
Safety
Dexatrim's site states that its products are safe. As with any dietary supplement, following the recommended guidelines is essential. If you don't abuse the product, then you should not have any side effects such as increased heart rate or blood pressure. However, Dexatrim does come with a warning label and people who may suffer from certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure should not take this supplement.
Considerations
As with any dietary supplement, it would be wise to speak with a health professional to discuss potential side effects or risks. While many supplement makers claim that their products are made from natural ingredients, the same claim was made when Dexatrim contained the ingredient ephedra. Natural doesn't necessarily equal safe.
Using Dexatrim
The use of dietary supplements is meant to help lose weight, whether through appetite suppression or increased metabolism. Though, it is recommended that you diet and exercise to help you "achieve your weight loss goals faster," as stated by Dexatrim's site. Even though Dexatrim no longer contains ephedra, it is possible to experience side effects. If any undesirable side effects should occur, stop taking the supplement and speak to a physician.
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