Stacker supplements, often touted as the "world's strongest fat burners," were designed to boost athletic performance. The products contain herbs and other ingredients that may give you an energy boost, but they're not without controversy and side effects. Although Stacker may be safe for you to take as part of a sensible diet and exercise plan, consult your doctor before using any dietary supplements.
Identification
Stacker was created by NVE Pharmaceuticals in the 1990s for bodybuilders as an herbal alternative to what's known as "stacking," or taking a cocktail of ephedra, caffeine and aspirin to provide extra energy and a lean look for competition. When the Food and Drug Administration banned ephedrine in 2004 due to a risk for serious adverse events, including heart attack, stroke and death, NVE reformulated its Stacker products to be ephedra-free.
Stacker Ingredients
One capsule of the Stacker 2 formula doesn't contain any vitamins, but it does contain 200 milligrams of caffeine, or the equivalent of two to four 8-ounce cups of coffee; 25 mg of a combination of green tea and the plants guggulsterone and gymnema; and 198 mg of a proprietary blend that includes white willow bark, kola nut, yerba mate and cassia mimosoides extract. A separate Stacker 3 formula adds chitosan into the mix. The manufacturer's dosage instructions recommend you take one capsule after meals, not to exceed three daily.
Claims
NVE promotes Stacker 2 as a way to help you burn fat by reducing the body's absorption of dietary fats, allowing calories to pass through the system. It's also said to cut food cravings and boost a sluggish metabolism. The chitosan in Stacker 3, which is derived from the shells of crustaceans such as crab and shrimp, is claimed to have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the absorption of bile acids and improving cholesterol levels.
Dangers
The warning label from the manufacturer cautions that minors and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid Stacker products. Avoid consuming caffeine along with the product, as you could wind up overdosing on caffeine, and also avoid alcohol. Exceeding the recommended dose could lead to serious adverse health effects, including heart attack and stroke. Nicole C. Bouchard, M.D., et al., writing in the April 2005 Mayo Clinic Proceedings, discusses a case where a patient experienced memory loss and an unsteady gait after taking one or two capsules per day of the ephedra-free version of Stacker 2.
References
- Stacker 2
- Innovative Services: Stacker 2
- American Society of Health System Pharmacists; Ephedrine Alkaloids Banned From Dietary Supplements; Cheryl A. Thompson; April 2004
- Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Ischemic Stroke Associated With Use of an Ephedra-Free Dietary Supplement Containing Synephrine; Nicole C. Bouchard, MD, et al.; April 2005
- Bodybuilding for You: Stacker 3 Ephedra Free Fat Burner
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