Slimming supplements: does it work or not?

Dietary supplements generate a global market that is 65 billion. That is, they are very popular, probably because of their very enticing promises. But what is it? Are slimming supplements effective?

The different types of food supplements

Dietary supplements are intended to compensate for a deficiency or to improve the functioning of the body. They want to close the drug without side effects, while claiming many very attractive benefits.

Regardless of their presentation (capsules, tablets, drinks ...), they are divided into 3 categories according to their types of ingredients:

- Essential nutrients for the body to compensate for a deficiency: vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids ...

- Plant extracts or other natural products: ginko biloba, ginseng, green tea ...

- Non-essential nutrients to improve body functions: tryptophan, taurine, melatonin, etc.

The broken promises of slimming supplements

Drs Cynober Luc and Jacques Fricker denounce in their book "The truth about dietary supplements" abuses and lies of food supplements. Most of their virtues are only supposed to and not scientifically proven. Small review of the main types of slimming products on the market.

Blockers fat absorption

They are based on chitosan, but the evidence of efficacy are absent.

The reducing appetite

Those based on Psyllium (dietary fiber) have an efficiency that has been proven but still modest.

In contrast, those based on chromium, magnesium, zinc, nickel, cobalt have not proved effective. Furthermore, it is recommended not to exceed 50 to 100% of the recommended daily nutritional intake.

Burners calories

They are based on guarana, tea, caffeine, ephedrine, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, etc. Only those based on tea extracts have demonstrated efficacy.

The excess water eliminators

Made with artichoke, orthosiphon, papaya leaf, we have no available evidence.

It is therefore recommended to be wary of dietary supplements. The ideal is to turn to their doctor for advice. At the same time, it can offer itself a dietary supplement to make up a proven or strongly supposed deficiency. For example, pregnant women, folic acid supplement is required prevention of spina bifida. It may also be required to provide a calcium supplement for people who do not eat dairy products or omega-3 for those who do not like fish.

In all cases, supplements do not replace a balanced diet.

Finally, one last tip of Cynober and Drs Fricker: avoid taking continuous dietary supplements. If you must take them, do it as a cure, one week a month or a month every 4 months for example.