Currently the most common spam we receive at the moment is for an internet only weight loss supplement called Leptitox
So what is it and does it work ? in short it is a vegetable pill without any real weight loss properties
This is the Nutrition panel
Zinc oxide appears to be less well absorbed than other zinc compounds when given without food and may be minimally absorbed by some individuals. In North America, overt zinc deficiency is uncommon. Zinc deficiency is characterized by growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. Taking this supplement to boost zinc intake is not going aid weight loss or suppress hunger and a zinc deficient person is better off looking to supplement with zinc rich foods or a better form of zinc.
Milk Thistle is used to treat alcoholic liver disease, gallbladder problems, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatitis (chronic), hepatotoxicity (chemical/drug-induced), jaundice, pleurisy, prostate cancer, and spleen diseases, and used as an appetite stimulant. Leptitox is marketed as an appetite suppressant, so including an appetite stimulant is the opposite of what potential buyers are looking for. They also claim their product has no side effect, which looking at the side effects of milk thistle is plainly misleading.
Side effects of milk thistle include:
Abdominal bloating/pain
Allergic reactions
Diarrhea
Gas
Indigestion
Itching
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Rash
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Beet Root a fantastic high fibre vegetable with a good range of vitamins, however the weight loss benefits come from being a high fibre vegetable with a high water content, this benefit is lost when in pill form. There is no indication on the nutrition label as to how much of the individual nutrients are in the supplement.
Artichoke Extract (Cynara scolymus) is an extract from the common bulb vegetable believed to have the ability to stimulate bile secretion; this may underlie a weak reduction in cholesterol and improved fat digestion. Human studies however have shown no statistically significant benefit even in high doses. In some people, artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions.
Chanca piedra (Quinine Weed) is used for various disorders of the urinary tract including infections, pain and swelling (inflammation), kidney stones, and discharge from the urethra or vagina. It is also used for digestive tract disorders including gas, loss of appetite, stomachache, intestinal infections, constipation, and dysentery. Despite studies, there is no evidence of this herbs many health claims. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chanca piedra is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth by pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant. Chanca piedra in large amounts may block pregnancy, increase the risk of low birth weight, or increase the risk of birth defects. This herb has a long list of interactions with medications. Taking chanca piedra might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects, this is to opposite of the Detox claims by this product.
Dandelion - People use dandelion for conditions such as swelling (inflammation) of the tonsils (tonsillitis), infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs), and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. When taken by mouth: Dandelion is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts (larger amounts than those found in food). Taking dandelion by mouth might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.
Eczema: People with eczema seem to have a higher chance of having an allergic reaction to dandelion. If you have eczema, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.
Bleeding disorders: Dandelion might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking dandelion might increase the risk for bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Ragweed allergy: People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) might be more likely to be allergic to dandelion. But conflicting data exists. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.
Kidney failure: Dandelion might reduce how much oxalate is released through urine. In theory, this might increase the risk for complications in people with kidney problems.
Chicory root is a plant that's commonly used as added fiber in many products. While other fibers are broken down more slowly, chicory root is broken down quickly and completely by bacteria in the large intestine, which can trigger symptoms like gas, belly bloat, abdominal pain, and gut rumbling.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking chicory by mouth in large amounts is POSSIBLY UNSAFE during pregnancy. Chicory might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage. Gallstones: Chicory can stimulate the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Don’t use chicory without medical supervision if you have gallstones.
Yarrow is commonly used orally for diarrhea, gas, and other stomach issues. It is also used for asthma, colds, runny nose, arthritis, and liver disorders. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other uses. Yarrow is used on the skin for wounds and skin healing.
In manufacturing, yarrow is used as a cosmetic cleanser and in shampoos.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with YARROW
Large amounts of yarrow might slow blood clotting. Taking yarrow along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Jujube Seed (zizyphus)- The seeds, fruit, and bark of jujube have been used in traditional medicine for anxiety and insomnia, and as an appetite stimulant or digestive aid.
It appears to be pro-motility in regards to the intestines, speeding up transit time and encouraging defecation. This is associated with an increase in intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in fecal moisture content, so it may be 'healthier' than other laxatives (to stretch the usage of the term 'healthy'). In rats fed high doses of Jujube, the sedative and anxiety-reducing effects appear to actually be quite potent with at least one study noting that there is similar potency to Diazepam, and the sedative properties may be synergistic with 5-HTP. There are currently no human studies on the sedative or anxiety-reducing effects of Jujube. Traditional usage suggests Jujube may be anti-fertility for females, and a single rat study appears to find similar effects (although did not measure actual conception rates, just uterus size and estrus); it would be prudent to avoid usage of Jujube if trying to conceive a child.
Latex allergy: People who are allergic to latex might also be allergic to zizyphus. Try to aAvoid zizyphus if you know that you are allergic to latex.
Surgery: Zizyphus might lower blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Zizyphus might also slow down the central nervous system. Anesthesia and other medications used during surgery also affect the central nervous system. The combined effects might be harmful.
This has taken a while to put together, So I will get to the other "propriety" formula and dodgy marketing in the next post when I have time to type it.
So what is it and does it work ? in short it is a vegetable pill without any real weight loss properties
This is the Nutrition panel
Zinc oxide appears to be less well absorbed than other zinc compounds when given without food and may be minimally absorbed by some individuals. In North America, overt zinc deficiency is uncommon. Zinc deficiency is characterized by growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. Taking this supplement to boost zinc intake is not going aid weight loss or suppress hunger and a zinc deficient person is better off looking to supplement with zinc rich foods or a better form of zinc.
Milk Thistle is used to treat alcoholic liver disease, gallbladder problems, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatitis (chronic), hepatotoxicity (chemical/drug-induced), jaundice, pleurisy, prostate cancer, and spleen diseases, and used as an appetite stimulant. Leptitox is marketed as an appetite suppressant, so including an appetite stimulant is the opposite of what potential buyers are looking for. They also claim their product has no side effect, which looking at the side effects of milk thistle is plainly misleading.
Side effects of milk thistle include:
Abdominal bloating/pain
Allergic reactions
Diarrhea
Gas
Indigestion
Itching
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Rash
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Beet Root a fantastic high fibre vegetable with a good range of vitamins, however the weight loss benefits come from being a high fibre vegetable with a high water content, this benefit is lost when in pill form. There is no indication on the nutrition label as to how much of the individual nutrients are in the supplement.
Artichoke Extract (Cynara scolymus) is an extract from the common bulb vegetable believed to have the ability to stimulate bile secretion; this may underlie a weak reduction in cholesterol and improved fat digestion. Human studies however have shown no statistically significant benefit even in high doses. In some people, artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions.
Chanca piedra (Quinine Weed) is used for various disorders of the urinary tract including infections, pain and swelling (inflammation), kidney stones, and discharge from the urethra or vagina. It is also used for digestive tract disorders including gas, loss of appetite, stomachache, intestinal infections, constipation, and dysentery. Despite studies, there is no evidence of this herbs many health claims. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chanca piedra is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth by pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant. Chanca piedra in large amounts may block pregnancy, increase the risk of low birth weight, or increase the risk of birth defects. This herb has a long list of interactions with medications. Taking chanca piedra might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects, this is to opposite of the Detox claims by this product.
Dandelion - People use dandelion for conditions such as swelling (inflammation) of the tonsils (tonsillitis), infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs), and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. When taken by mouth: Dandelion is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts (larger amounts than those found in food). Taking dandelion by mouth might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.
Eczema: People with eczema seem to have a higher chance of having an allergic reaction to dandelion. If you have eczema, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.
Bleeding disorders: Dandelion might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking dandelion might increase the risk for bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Ragweed allergy: People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) might be more likely to be allergic to dandelion. But conflicting data exists. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.
Kidney failure: Dandelion might reduce how much oxalate is released through urine. In theory, this might increase the risk for complications in people with kidney problems.
Chicory root is a plant that's commonly used as added fiber in many products. While other fibers are broken down more slowly, chicory root is broken down quickly and completely by bacteria in the large intestine, which can trigger symptoms like gas, belly bloat, abdominal pain, and gut rumbling.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking chicory by mouth in large amounts is POSSIBLY UNSAFE during pregnancy. Chicory might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage. Gallstones: Chicory can stimulate the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Don’t use chicory without medical supervision if you have gallstones.
Yarrow is commonly used orally for diarrhea, gas, and other stomach issues. It is also used for asthma, colds, runny nose, arthritis, and liver disorders. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other uses. Yarrow is used on the skin for wounds and skin healing.
In manufacturing, yarrow is used as a cosmetic cleanser and in shampoos.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with YARROW
Large amounts of yarrow might slow blood clotting. Taking yarrow along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Jujube Seed (zizyphus)- The seeds, fruit, and bark of jujube have been used in traditional medicine for anxiety and insomnia, and as an appetite stimulant or digestive aid.
It appears to be pro-motility in regards to the intestines, speeding up transit time and encouraging defecation. This is associated with an increase in intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in fecal moisture content, so it may be 'healthier' than other laxatives (to stretch the usage of the term 'healthy'). In rats fed high doses of Jujube, the sedative and anxiety-reducing effects appear to actually be quite potent with at least one study noting that there is similar potency to Diazepam, and the sedative properties may be synergistic with 5-HTP. There are currently no human studies on the sedative or anxiety-reducing effects of Jujube. Traditional usage suggests Jujube may be anti-fertility for females, and a single rat study appears to find similar effects (although did not measure actual conception rates, just uterus size and estrus); it would be prudent to avoid usage of Jujube if trying to conceive a child.
Latex allergy: People who are allergic to latex might also be allergic to zizyphus. Try to aAvoid zizyphus if you know that you are allergic to latex.
Surgery: Zizyphus might lower blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Zizyphus might also slow down the central nervous system. Anesthesia and other medications used during surgery also affect the central nervous system. The combined effects might be harmful.
This has taken a while to put together, So I will get to the other "propriety" formula and dodgy marketing in the next post when I have time to type it.
