Cons of Dexatrim

This article is about the efficacy and possible harmful side effects of Dexatrim, an over-the-counter weight-reduction supplement. One of the three formulations of Dexatrim contains bitter orange peel extract, which is potentially hazardous.

History

• Dexatrim has been marketed as a weight-loss product for more than 30 years, though the formulation has been changed twice since 2001. Dexatrim originally contained the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PPA), but it was dropped from the product after PPA was banned by the FDA in 2001 due to its being linked to strokes. The following year, the FDA banned another Dexatrim ingredient, ephedra, as it was linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Significance

• Since Dexatrim is marketed as a "dietary supplement" and the Food & Drug Administration regulates pharmaceuticals but not dietary supplements, the efficacy of the over-the-counter diet pill has never been evaluated by the federal government. Thus, claims that Dexatrim is safe and effective are a matter of faith on the consumer's part.

Types

• New Dexatrim formulations have been marketed since the banning of PPA and ephedra. "Dexatrim Results Ephedra Free" contains Vitamins B6, C, D and E. Its other ingredients are calcium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc.

  "Proprietary Herbal Blend #1" contains extract of bitter orange peel, which may pose a health risk. It also contains Yohimbe bark and licorice root, both of which can cause high blood pressure. Other ingredients are hesperidin, kelp, rutin and Siberian ginger, all of which are known to be safe, but none of which is known to promote weight loss. Another ingredient, Fenugreek seed, can reduce hunger by keeping blood sugar levels low, but the product does not contain enough of the ingredient to be effective.

  "Dexatrim Proprietary Blend #2" contains cocoa extract, which has no link to weight loss; caffeine, which does; and green tea extract, which has been shown to bolster the effects of a low-calorie diet.

Warning

• Proprietary Herbal Blend #1 contains extract of bitter orange peel, a drug that is similar to ephedra in its chemical structure. The side effects of bitter orange likely are similar to those of ephedra and may cause cardiac trouble.

Conclusion

• There is no proof that any Dexatrim productive is effective in promoting weight loss, and its Proprietary Herbal Blend #1 may be unsafe due to the presence of bitter orange. The way to lose weight in the long term is through moderately reducing your daily intake of calories, regularly exercising and frequently monitoring your eating habits.