Ephedra-free, not risk-free.Some "ephedra-free" weight-loss supplements may raise blood pressure and heart rate, just like ephedra ephedra: see ephedrine. does. Researchers gave 10 healthy nonsmokers single doses of Advantra Z, Xenadrine EFX EFX Effects (as in motion picture special effects; sometimes just FX) EFX Elite Force Xtreme (gaming) EFX Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer EFX Expeditionary Force Experiment , or a placebo. Both supplements contain an herb called bitter orange bitter orange, n an essential oil, expressed from the fruit of the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), useful for treating colds and flu, constipation and flatulence, gum conditions, sluggish digestion, and stress. (or Citrus aurantium), which contains synephrine, a substance that stimulates the nervous system. Both Advantra Z and Xenadrine EFX boosted heart rate, but only Xenadrine EFX raised blood pressure. The authors suggest that caffeine and other stimulants Stimulants A class of drugs, including Ritalin, used to treat people with autism. They may make children calmer and better able to concentrate, but they also may limit growth or have other side effects. Mentioned in: Autism in the Xenadrine EFX hiked blood pressure because it has less synephrine than Advantra Z. What to do: Don't assume that weight-loss supplements are safe, even if they're ephedra-free. American Journal of Medicine 118: 998, 2005. |
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