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Thermadrol Health Risks

In our endless quest for the magic solution to weight loss, countless supplements, medications and exercise gadgets have exploded onto the weight loss scene. With a website that claims that users will "burn up to 600 percent more fat," Thermadrol, manufactured by Big Nutrition seems to be a promising supplement. Before considering the benefits, however, it is imperative to first explore the potential risks.

  1. Overview of Risks and Side Effects

    • Before taking Thermadrol, it is important to discuss it with your doctor. This product may cause serious effects on your health if you have any existing medical conditions (like heart disease), a familial history of heart disease (or other serious medical conditions), hypertension, sensitivity to caffeine, liver dysfunction, glaucoma or if you take MAOI's. Some common side effects include sleeplessness (insomnia), diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, irregularities in heart beat, headache and loss of appetite. More serious side effects include heart attack, stroke, increased blood pressure, rapid heart beat and damage to the kidneys. If you are taking Thermadrol and experience any adverse side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

    Ingredients

    • Thermadrol's website lists the "21 Powerful Active Ingredients" including: Green Tea extract, Vitamin B6, L-Carnitine, Hydrocitric Acid, Chromium Picolinate, Hoodia Gordonii, L-Tyrosine, 5-HTP, Ginger Root, Gymnema Sylvestre, Caffeine, Advantra Z (a trademark of Nutratech, Inc.), Bioperine (a trademark of Sabinsa Corporation), Fennel Seed, Yerba Mate, Pantothenic Acid, Apple Cider Vinegar, Phenylalanine, Licorice Root, Vitamin B12 and Cayenne Pepper. Of these ingredients, two in particular could pose potential health problems. Let's take a closer look at the potential health effects of Advantra Z (citrus aurantium) and HydroCitric Acid.

    Risks Associated with Citrus Aurantium

    • Citrus aurantium is a fruit otherwise known as bitter orange or a Seville orange. The peel, essential oils and juice have been used in traditional medicines to treat a variety of ailments like epilepsy, fatigue, infection, digestive problems and insomnia. Today, it is often marketed as a safe ephedra alternative. Unfortunately, there is only one published trial (Am J Cardiol. 2004 Nov 15;94(10):1359-61) of citrus aurantium which yielded results that showed no real benefit for weight loss. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has listed safety issues relative to synephine which include agitation, rapid heart beat, palpitations, headache and in some cases kidney damage, increased ocular pressure and reduced circulation. Anyone with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma or hypertension should avoid medications or supplements containing synephrine. It can also interact with various medications like MAOI's, cyclosporine, sulfa drugs, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and Ritalin.

    Risks Associated with HydroCitric Acid

    • HydroCitric Acid (otherwise known as HCA or hydroxycitric acid) is touted as having carbohydrate-blocking effects. However, in 1998, the Journal of the AMA (American Medical Association) published the results from a three month, double-blind study in which participants were randomly selected to receive HCA or a placebo. Results indicated no significant effects on weight loss or fat loss as compared to a placebo. While there are no studies indicating serious side effects, it is contraindicated for use in anyone suffering from dementia, diabetes and for pregnant or nursing women since it may interact with certain medications. It's also important to note that HCA is the active ingredient in another weight loss supplement, Hydroxycut, which was voluntarily recalled by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. after the May 1, 2009 announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA received a total of 23 reports of users of Hydroxycut suffering from liver damage. Nevertheless, the FDA's announcement was specific to Hydroxycut and made no mention of Thermadrol.

    Considerations

    • While there are no published studies supporting or refuting the safety of Thermadrol, it is wise to discuss this supplement with your doctor prior to use since some of the components in Thermadrol could pose a health risk to some individuals. Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, supplements and vitamins that you take to avoid potentially serious interactions and side effects.

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