Metabolife is a supplement that claims to help you lose weight. The original version of Metabolife contained ephedrine and is no longer allowed to be sold in the United States. Although Metabolife Ultra may be safe for most people, some people should avoid taking this supplement. You shouldn't take this supplement without first speaking with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Active Ingredients
Metabolife Ultra contains guarana and hydroxycitric acid instead of ephedrine, along with vitamins and minerals. Guarana has a very high caffeine content. Hydroxycitric acid, also called CitriMax, is a substance taken from the dried rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit. This substance is used in the cooking of southeastern Asian to add flavor and preserve foods.
Hydroxycitric Acid Safety
Hydroxycitric acid is safe in doses of up to 2,800 mg per day, according to an article published in September 2004 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology." However, it can cause side effects including stomach pain, headaches and nausea. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or another chronic health problem you should speak with your doctor as the safety of hydroxycitric acid in these populations is not well researched.
Guarana Safety
Guarana is used in weight-loss supplements because it is an appetite suppressant and a stimulant. However, the very high levels of caffeine in guarana are not safe for some people, including people who are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with hyperthyroidism, heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure or an anxiety disorder. Possible side effects include insomnia, restlessness, headaches, vomiting, nausea and indigestion.
Considerations
Speak with your doctor before taking Metabolife or any other weight loss supplement. Metabolife can be quite expensive, so if you do want to take this weight loss supplement you may be better off taking hydroxycitric acid and guarana supplements, since these are the only ingredients in Metabolife related to weight loss. This can save you money. However, the effectiveness of any of these supplements in terms of weight loss has not been verified, and these supplements are not regulated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
References
- Health Services at Columbia University, Go Ask Alice!; Metabolife; September 2007
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Safety Assessment of (-)-hydroxycitric Acid and Super CitraMax, a Novel Calcium/Potassium Salt; M.G. Soni; September 2004
- eMedTV; Is Hydroxycitric Acid Safe?; Kristi Monson, PharmD, et al.; December 2007
- Drugs.com: Guarana
- eMedTV; Is Guarana Safe?; Kristi Monson, PharmD, et al.; September 2010
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