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Harmful Effects of Stacker 3

Stacker 3 is an over-the-counter dietary supplement whose manufacturer, NVE Pharmaceuticals, claims will help your body burn fat. The FDA has not approved Stacker 3's proprietary blend of ingredients as a weight loss aid--a key reason to explore the potential harmful effects the product may cause before you decide to begin using Stacker 3 as a dietary supplement.

  1. Active Ingredients

    • According to Supplement Critic, the product contains chitosan, grapefruit extract, caffeine, cactus extract, green tea, white willow bark, kola nut, guarana and garcinia. Several of these ingredients-- namely chitosan, caffeine and white willow bark--demand scrutiny to determine their safety.

    Chitosan

    • Stacker 3 claims to function as a weight loss aid, touting chitosan right beneath the product logo as a key ingredient in this function. Chitosan, derived from the exoskeletons of shellfish such as crabs and lobster, is a chemical with little potential for toxicity. Still, those allergic to shellfish should avoid Stacker 3 and other chitosan-containing products to avoid potentially harmful reactions to the chemical.

    Caffeine

    • The potential fat-burning effects of Stacker 3 rely heavily on the high caffeine content--250 mg per capsule--of the supplement. Caffeine, says the National Institute of Health, stimulates the central nervous system and causes mental alertness as well as increased energy. Two to four cups of coffee daily typically does not produce adverse effects--however, taking two Stacker 3 pills is equivalent to drinking approximately five cups of coffee, and harmful effects of large amounts of caffeine may include headaches, anxiety, insomnia and abnormal heart rhythms.

    White Willow Bark

    • The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that white willow bark contains salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin that can cause upset stomach, stomach ulcers and skin rash. Since Stacker 3 contains this ingredient, it also has the potential to interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), beta-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

    Consult Your Physician

    • Before taking Stacker 3 as a dietary supplement, talk to your doctor about the possibility of the supplement's potential harmful effects. Depending on your personal medical history, Stacker 3 may be perfectly safe to use as indicated, but only your physician can give you a definitive answer on whether this product--with its list of potentially harmful ingredients--is right for you.

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