We know that there are so many different supplements out there that it can be really confusing. We have investigated them all for you, and have listed them here in alphabetical order. We have also listed any known medical condition that would mean you should not take any particular supplement, but please remember that if you are below 18 years of age, a pregnant woman or anyone suffering from a medical condition, you should always check with the doctor before taking any supplement. To maximise the effectiveness of these supplements, you should combine them with a calorie controlled and exercise programme. You can find all these supplements in the Diet Aids Shop under 'Weight Loss Supplements'.
Chromium
Chromium has been scientifically proven to regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for sugary foods, increasing lean muscle mass and reducing body fat. In studies, groups taking Chromium lost 4.2lbs of body fat and increased lean muscle mass by 1.4lb without following any particular dietary or exercise programme. If following an exercise programme, results were even more pronounced, with athletes taking Chromium gaining 44% lean muscle compared with just 7% in a control group. Chromium works by improving the action of insulin in the body, which helps the body use fat as fuel. This supplement has been confirmed as being scientifically proven to aid weight loss by Susan Clark, Health Journalist from the Sunday Times.
Suitable for: Everyone wanting to lose body fat, People wanting to regulate cravings for sugary foods, People wanting to maximise the weight loss benefits of exercise
Unsuitable for: Diabetics
Can be found on the site in: Chromium GTF + B3, Bio-Trim, Metabolic Pack, Weight Management System
Carnitine
Carnitine can be thought of as the 'pump' which moves fat into the mitochondria of muscle cells where it is oxidised into energy rather than being stored in the tissues as fat. This means that it can help prevent fat being stored, maximising its use as energy. It has also been found to help reduce the build up of lactic acid in the muscles, which is the thing that causes the stiffness and aching the two days after strenuous exercise. There are some studies that have looked at the effect of Carnitine on weight loss. One study in 1997 published in the Acta Nutrimenta Sinica demonstrated that a group taking Carnitine lost significantly more weight than those taking a placebo. In another 12-week study of 18 overweight individuals, the placebo group lost only one pound, whilst the Carnitine group lost 11 pounds, as well as decreasing their body fat levels. Further research is ongoing to try to replicate the results of these studies.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to lose body fat, People wanting to reduce stiffness and aching after exercise
Unsuitable for: No particular medical conditions
Can be found on the site in: Bio-Carnitine
CLA
CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Scientific studies have suggested that CLA can help overweight adults to lose fat, maintain weight loss and retain lean muscle mass. CLA has been researched intensively since it was discovered 20 years ago. It is thought to increase the production of prostaglandins, which are fatty acid molecules linked to elevated synthesis of growth hormone. Increased levels of growth hormone promote enhanced muscle growth and strength. Some prostaglandins may also increase blood circulation to the muscles, increasing muscle function and fat mobilisation. In English, this means that the taking of CLA may increase muscle and help burn fat, and this increased muscle would mean an increased metabolism. CLA can be found in foods, but to get the equivalent amount used in scientific trials would mean eating 8 quarter-pound beefburgers per day! CLA's unique characteristics and derivatives promote the retention of lean muscle over fat and offer positive effects for the immune system, antioxidant status and cholesterol levels.
Suitable for: People wanting to maximise their metabolism, People who want to maximise the weight loss effects of their exercise programme, People wanting to minimise muscle loss on low calorie diets
Unsuitable for: No particular medical conditions
Can be found on the site in: CLA, Weight Management System (with HCA and Chromium)
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)
HCA comes from the rind of the South Indian fruit, Garcinia Cambogia. It is thought that HCA helps weight loss in two ways. Firstly it helps the body burn more of our food for energy instead of converting the excess into fat. Secondly, it is thought to help balance appetite and so prevent overeating. Because of this appetite suppression, it is recommended that HCA be taken 30 minutes before meals. A number of studies involving rats and mice clearly indicated that HCA results in weight loss (or a reduction in weight gain). In 1993, a controlled clinical study using 50 overweight volunteers took place, where the volunteers took a combined Chromium and HCA supplement and were compared against a control group. Over 8 weeks, the treatment group lost about 3 times as much weight as the control group. In another study of 200 subjects, the treatment group were given a combined HCA, chromium and Carnitine supplement. These treatment subjects lost twice as much weight as a control group. A further study involving just HCA as a supplement, again showed that the treatment group lost twice as much weight as the control group. Further studies are being undertaken to try to replicate these results.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to lose body fat, People wanting to reduce overeating
Unsuitable for: No particular medical conditions
Can be found on the site in: Citri-Trim
Co-Enzyme Q10
Also known as ubiquinone or simply Vitamin Q, Coenzyme Q10 is a lipid type structure with vitamin like activity. It is found naturally in all human cells and is responsible for the cells energy production. It has long been hailed as being beneficial in raising energy levels, but its effects on weight loss are less known. Karl Folkers, a bio-chemist has studied Q10 and found it to be low in half of people who are overweight. When people who were low in Q10 were given a supplement they lost more than twice the weight of people who were not low in Q10 given the same supplement. This means that is you are low in Q10, you could double your weight loss by taking it as a supplement. Q10 also has some other beneficial side effects like strengthening the heart. So, you may not be in the 50% needing Q10 who can double weight loss, but taking Q10 will improve energy levels and benefit your heart anyway, so we think it is worth a try! Combining Q10 with Carnitine improves the energy boosting effects.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to lose body fat, People wanting to increase energy levels
Unsuitable for: People with Thyroid conditions should consult their doctor
Can be found on the site in: Bio-Quinone Q10, Bio-Trim (with Chromium)
Fibre
Eating adequate amounts of fibre is thought to be very important for individuals wanting to lose weight. Fibre contains bulk and tends to produce a sense of fullness, which allows people to consume fewer calories. Some studies have shown that taking a supplement with fibre, accelerated weight loss in people following low calorie diets. Fibre is also very important if following a low carbohydrate diet that could be low in fibre, like the Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to lose body fat, People wanting to ensure a healthy digestive system, People on low carbohydrate diets, People wanting to reduce portion size
Unsuitable for: No particular medical conditions
Can be found on the site in: Bio-Fibre 80, Bio-Trim
