Mega-T is a dietary supplement purported to enhance fat burning when combined with a low-calorie diet. Mega-T contains a number of ingredients, but the primary active ingredient is green tea extract, which is derived from the leaves used to make green tea. While Mega-T does have some potential benefits for weight loss, it's not an ideal choice for fat burning or weight loss. Consult a doctor prior to using this or any other supplements.
Green Tea Extract
The primary ingredient in Mega-T is green tea extract, also referred to as EGCG. Green tea extract contains chemical compounds called catechins that may help increase your metabolism. According to research published in the January 2011 issue of "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry," supplementation with green tea extract can benefit weight loss. However, the research included daily doses of between 270 mg to 1,200 mg of green tea extract, and Mega-T contains just 90 mg, so a single dose may not be very effective. The company recommends taking two doses daily, which would bring the total to 90 mg of green tea extract, which would still be less than the doses found to be effective in research studies.
Caffeine
Another ingredient in Mega-T purported to boost metabolism and enhance weight loss is caffeine. Research from the January 2010 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates that consumption of a combination of green tea and caffeine can be effective for weight loss, but the research used 270 mg of green tea extract and 150 mg of caffeine; two daily doses of Mega-T would provide 100 mg, which is about the same amount in 24 oz. of some types of soda.
Calcium
Another ingredient in Mega-T is calcium, an essential mineral for overall health. In addition to promoting bone strength, calcium may have some weight loss benefits. A study from the January 2010 edition of "International Journal of Obesity" found that calcium could promote increased fat loss, but the study used daily doses of 1,500 mg of calcium, and the two daily servings of Mega-T provide a total of just 200 mg, so it's unlikely to produce this effect.
Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that is essential for proper health, as it can help manage your body's insulin levels. This can make chromium levels an important factor in avoiding diabetes and other insulin-related conditions. Unfortunately, chromium does not appear to be effective for weight loss. A study from the August 2001 issue of "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that 12 weeks of supplementation with 400 mg of chromium daily did not alter body weight or body fat. Taking the two daily doses of Mega-T would provide 500 mg of chromium, but based on the aforementioned research, similar-sized doses of this nutrient don't affect weight loss. However, your results may vary.
References
- Mega Diet: Mega-T Green Tea Fat Burning Supplement
- "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry"; Antiobesity Effects of Green Tea Catechins: A Mechanistic Review; T.M. Rains, S. Agarwal, K.C. Maki; January 2011
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Green Tea Catechins with or without Caffeine on Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; O.J. Phung et al.; January 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More; October 2009
- "International Journal of Obesity"; Effect of Dairy and Non-Dairy Calcium on Fecal Fat Excretion in Lactose Digester and Maldigester Obese Adults; M.S. Buchowski et al.; January 2010
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Effect of Chromium Supplementation and Exercise on Body Composition, Resting Metabolic Rate and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Moderately Obese Women Following an Exercise Program; S.L. Volpe et al.; August 2001
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