Download Ephedra Fact Sheet: Metabolife and Metab-O-lite

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Nutrition Tip Sheets
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Ephedra Fact Sheet: Metabolife and Metab-O-lite
Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D., Nutritional Sciences,
College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
Tammy Kliethermes, Missouri Department of Health, Dietetic Intern
Metabolife 356 and Metab-O-lite are two of the most
popular dietary supplements on the market today.
They are taken by people who want to lose weight,
boost their metabolism and have more energy.
What are the ingredients?
According to product labels, both supplements contain
Ma Huang, a Chinese herb that contains ephedrine
alkaloids, also known as ephedra, plus similar
amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and chromium. Metabolife 356 contains both Ma Huang, or
ephedra, plus guarana, which is an herbal source of
caffeine. Metab-O-lite contains ephedra but no caffeine. Metab-O-lite Plus contains both ephedra and
caffeine.
Each Metabolife 356 tablet contains 12 milligrams of
ephedrine alkaloids, plus 40 milligrams of caffeine.
Each caplet of Metab-O-lite contains 10 milligrams of
ephedra. Metab-O-lite Plus contains 10 milligrams of
ephedra and 30 milligrams of caffeine per caplet. Both
products also contain a "proprietary blend" of assorted
herbal ingredients including: ginger root, lecithin,
sarsparilla, goldenseal, damiana, gotu kola, nettle
leaf, royal jelly, bovine complex, and bee pollen, but
exact quantities of each are not listed.
How do these products work?
Ma Huang, ephedrine, or ephedra is a central nervous
system stimulant that suppresses the appetite. People
who take supplements containing ephedra report
feeling "jittery," or like they have taken "speed," a
street term for amphetamine. Caffeine is also a
stimulant, acting to "boost energy" and extends the
potency of ephedra. The minerals and other herbal
ingredients are not proven effective for weight loss
Are there any risks or dangers with taking
supplements containing ephedra?
Yes! There can be serious side effects, especially
when ephedra is used in combination with caffeine.
Over 800 injuries related to ephedra have been
reported to the Food and Drug Administration, including more than 50 deaths. Adverse effects include:
nervousness, dizziness, tremor, increased blood
pressure or heart rate, headache, stomach upset,
chest pain, heart attack, hepatitis, stroke, seizure,
psychosis, and death.
Both Metabolife and Metab-O-lite have warning labels
that advise consumers not to use the products during
pregnancy or while nursing a baby. Consumers are
also advised to consult with their physician before
using the products if they have, or have a family
history of: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or
thyroid disease, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, psychiatric illness, recurrent headaches, or depression.
Also, consult with your physician if you are taking
other prescription drugs, or intend on taking the
product to reduce weight. A warning label on
Metabolife 356 specifically states that the product is
not for use by or sale to persons under 18.
Metabolife 356 advises not exceeding 8 tablets per
day (96 milligrams ephedra alkaloids); Metabolite
advises not exceeding 2 caplets in a 4 hour period
and not exceeding 90 milligrams of ephedra alkaloids
(8 caplets) in 24 hours. However, toxic effects of
ephedra are not necessarily associated with massive
doses.
The Food and Drug Administration has proposed
limiting doses to no more than 24 milligrams ephedra
per day (8 milligrams per dose), banning ephedra/
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status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need this publication in an alternative format, write
ADA Officer, 309 University Hall, columbia, MO 65211.
caffeine combinations, and advises against using ephedra
supplements for more than 7 days at a time; however,
that proposal is in limbo, and the FDA has limited
authority. Health Canada has restricted sales, and
imports.
activity. This is the only clinically proven safe and
effective way of losing and maintaining a healthy
weight.
✔ Always talk to your doctor before beginning any
weight loss or exercise program.
Bottom Line:
✔ Save your money, your health, and possibly,
your life! Avoid using products containing ephedra,
and especially avoid combining ephedra with caffeine. Heed FDA warnings.
✔ To lose weight, and have more energy, eat
well, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest,
and balance your food intake with physical
For more information:
www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/
health_psychology/met356.htm
www.quackwatch.com
www.fda.gov
University Outreach and Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or
status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need this publication in an alternative format, write
ADA Officer, 309 University Hall, columbia, MO 65211.