There are many reasons why some people take diet supplements; the most common ones are to aid in weight loss, to look and feel better or to speed up the process of metabolism. What most people are not aware of are the side effects brought about by taking these diet supplements, arising from misuse or overuse, and not paying attention to the warning labels. There have been lawsuits filed against some of the manufacturers–some due to misleading advertisements and the failure to mention the side effects.
Metabolife
Metabolife contains many active ingredients that can speed up metabolism. One of these ingredients is guarana, which is an herbal source of caffeine. Guarana can cause serious side effects such as a faster heartbeat and increased anxiety. According to a medical publication entitled “Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions” by F. Brinker (Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998), guarana can also worsen high blood pressure and kidney and thyroid conditions.
Ma huang (ephedra) is another herb that can cause serious side effects such as stroke, heart attack and seizures. This is why Metabolife no longer uses it. It is important to consult with a physician before taking Metabolife if you have any of these conditions.
Xenadrine RFA-1
Xenadrine is a diet pill with serious side effects for some people, but not for others. Some people show side effects after taking one pill. Some of the reported side effects are anxiety, rapid heartbeat, nausea, cramps, light headaches, light-headedness, shaking, numbness and the feeling of fainting. Xenadrine also contains tyrosine that produces melanin pigments, which can cause the appearance of brown spots on the skin.
Diet Fuel
Similar to Metabolife, Diet Fuel also contains the herb guarana. Known side effects of Diet Fuel are increased heart rate, chills, jitters and sleeplessness. Diet Fuel also contains L-Phenylalanine, which suppresses the appetite by signaling the brain that the stomach is full so there is no craving or feeling of hunger. People taking Diet Fuel might not eat properly or they might skip important meals, thereby depriving the body of necessary nutrients.
Fat Burner and Stacker 2
Fat Burner contains ephedrine and caffeine, which can help increase metabolism necessary for losing weight. Some people–mostly those that take these pills more than they should–may experience side effects such as anxiety, nervousness, excitability, restlessness, insomnia and hyperactivity. Other serious side effects are high blood pressure, heart palpitations, rapid heart movements, vomiting, diarrhea, tightness of chest, difficulty in breathing, strokes and heart attacks. Some may also experience blurred visions, dizziness, hair loss, dry mouth and urinary tract infections.
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