RedZone-6 is a fat burning supplement made by Ergogenic Nutrition. Since the Food and Drug Administration deemed ephredrine unsafe, Ergogenic Nutrition markets RedZone-6 as an ephedra-free fat loss product, ephedra being the plant source for ephedrine. The active ingredients in RedZone-6 are Citrus aurantium and caffeine, both of which can have a number of negative side effects.
Ingredients
The main ingredient in RedZone-6 is 335 mg of Citrus aurantium, or bitter orange. Citrus aurantium contains several stimulants including synephrine, octopamine, tyramine and N-methyltyramine. RedZone-6 also contains 200 mg of caffeine anhydrous and 100 mg of Coleus forskohlii. Anhydrous means "without water"; anhydrous caffeine is dehydrated caffeine. Coleus forskohlii is a plant native to India.
Citrus Aurantium
Citrus aurantium is the Latin name for a type of fruit called the Seville orange, or bitter orange. Contrary to supplement manufacturer's marketing claims, no scientific evidence supports the theory that Citrus aurantium promotes weight loss. The stimulants in Citrus aurantium can cause side effects including headache, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and irritability.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a supplement found in numerous popular consumer products, including soda, energy drinks and coffee. The amount of caffeine in RedZone-6 is about twice the amount in a shot of espresso. Consumed in moderate doses, 250 mg to 300 mg, caffeine can increase alertness and reduce fatigue. However, too much caffeine can lead to sleeplessness.
Coleus Forskohlii
RedZone-6 contains Coleus forskohlii, standardized to Forskolin, which is isolated from the roots of the Coleus forskohlii plant. A study published in the "Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition" tested the effectiveness of Coleus forskohlii on body composition. The subjects took 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii two times per day for 12 weeks. Researchers concluded that the substance did not promote weight loss, although it may help reduce weight gain. The subjects did not experience any side effects.
Considerations
The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements such as RedZone-6. Some of the long-term implications of taking these substances is unknown. Two individuals can experience varying side effects from the same substance. Ergogenic Nutrition warns individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, psychiatric conditions, renal disease, regular headaches, spasms or asthma to consult a physician before taking the product.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center; Citrus Aurantium
- Georgetown University; Citrus Aurantium, an Ingredient of Dietary Supplements Marketed for Weight Loss: Current Status of Clinical and Basic Research; Adriane Fugh-Berman and Adam Myers
- University of Michigan; Caffeine
- Ergogenic Nutrition: RedZone-6
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Guidance for Industry: Final Rule Declaring Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids Adulterated Because They Present an Unreasonable Risk; Small Entity Compliance Guide; July 17, 2008
- "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition"; Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women; Shonteh Henderson, et al.; November 1, 2005
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