Hoodia gordonii is an extract derived from a succulent plant similar to a cactus. This plant, indigenous to southern Africa, is popularly advertised as an appetite suppressant and commonly included in various diet pills. Metabolife is a line of weight loss supplements designed to decrease appetite, increase energy levels and improve metabolism. Metabolife weight loss supplements include other appetite-suppressing ingredients, as well as stimulant ingredients for increased energy. Talk to your doctor before going on any weight loss program.
Function
The primary mechanism of Hoodia Gordonii, according to Drugs.com, is to suppress appetite through a molecule called P57. This molecule is thought to act on the brain by creating a feeling of satiety and decreasing hunger. The main Metabolife weight loss supplement, Metabolife Ultra, is designed to reduce appetite, enhance lean muscle, and provide sustained energy. The supplement utilizes various different ingredients that reportedly achieve these effects.
Ingredients
Although Hoodia Gordonii is a single ingredient, it is often used in diet formulas in combination with other ingredients. Metabolife Ultra contains the ingredients Super CitriMax, chromium, caffeine and coenzyme Q10. Super Citrimax, a patented form of the fruit-derived ingredient garcinia cambogia, is the main appetite suppressant in this formula. Garcinia cambogia's active component, hydroxycitric acid, is also said to decrease fat production, according to the Metabolife website.
Garcinia Cambogia Efficacy
According to the National Toxicology Program, or NTP, clinical trials on the effectiveness of garcinia cambogia in producing weight loss have yielded mixed results. The NTP cites a 12-week, randomized trial on 42 subjects who were given 3,000 mg of garcinia cambogia per day. The study, conducted by Heymsfield et al., found that the garcinia cambogia extract did not yield significant weight loss or fat loss. The NTP notes that other studies have found that the SuperCitrimax form of garcinia cambogia may lower low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, and triglyerides.
Hoodia Efficacy and Authenticity
MayoClinic.com notes that despite the popularity of Hoodia Gordonii as an appetite suppressant, there is no evidence from clinical trials that it is effective in this regard. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has warned the makers of some Hoodia supplements to stop making "unsubstantiated" claims about its weight loss benefits. Moreover, MayoClinic.com notes that some reports have indicated that products purported to be Hoodia supplements may, in fact, be devoid of the ingredient.
Side Effects
Drugs.com reports that there are no known side effects of Hoodia Gordonii, although you should consult your doctor if you are taking blood thinners or blood sugar medications. Metabolife Ultra, because it contains caffeine and other stimulant ingredients, may lead to side effects such as insomnia, jitters or anxiety. The Metabolife website notes that you should limit your caffeine intake while taking the supplement, and consult your doctor if you suffer from heart conditions or mood disorders. Metabolife offers a caffeine-free formula, the website notes.
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