Half-Dose of Ephedra Product Shown to be Safe and Effective for Weight Loss
Miami FL, 18 November 2002

Volunteers Exhibit Less Appetite With No Side Effects

Clinical evidence of the safety and efficacy of a popular ephedra-based commercial weight loss supplement, Xenadrine RFA-1, has been shown in a recent four-week study of 24 healthy obese female volunteers -- 12 of whom were given Xenadrine RFA-1, while the other half received a placebo. All followed the same calorie-restricted diet and participated in a four times weekly supervised exercise program.

Those given the supplement, in half the normal dosage, experienced "significant weight loss and appetite reduction over the placebo group without any negative impacts on the cardiovascular parameters measured," reports Douglas S. Kalman, MS, RD, FACN. Kalman, Director of the Nutrition Division of Miami Research Associates, served as Chief Clinical Investigator for the study, which was just presented at the 85th Annual Conference of the American Dietetic Association. The study was published in poster/abstract format in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

"We wanted to scientifically determine the short term safety and efficacy of this popular commercial weight loss supplement," says Kalman. "The results surprised us. At half the dose recommended by the manufacturer of Xenadrine RFA-1, our subjects still lost about three times the amount of weight of those on placebo who followed the same diet and exercise plan. We also examined the effects of Xenadrine RFA-1 on cardiovascular health, and found no significant effects on heart rate, blood pressure or EKG. Within the confines of the study, Xenadrine RFA-1 appears to be safe and effective."

The cardiac conclusions of the Florida-based safety study appear to contradict allegations by ephedra opponents.

Not all ephedra products are alike, Kalman relates. "Whereas Xenadrine RFA-1 is made with natural, herbal ephedra, many brands contain questionable synthetic, unstable compounds." Kalman urges people to read ingredients, purchase ephedra products from trusted manufacturers, and follow dosage directions, since consumers who take more capsules than directed may face potential problems. Anyone who is considering using any weight loss product should see their physician first to ensure a clean bill of health.

Ephedra is a derivative of the Chinese root Ma Huang, a natural stimulant and a primary ingredient in Xenadrine RFA-1, a thermogenic, appetite-suppressing, fat-burning diet product that increases metabolism. Since 1997, Xenadrine RFA-1 has helped millions of Americans safely lose tons of weight each year. In addition, Xenadrine RFA-1 has been the subject of seven other product-specific clinical trials on humans. In each of these clinical studies, Xenadrine RFA-1 has been shown to be safe and effective for weight loss.

About Cytodyne Technologies

Cytodyne Technologies, based in Manasquan NJ, supplies and distributes pharmaceutical-grade supplements, including Xenadrine. Since its inception in 1997, Cytodyne has placed a strong emphasis on research. The company's expert research and development team works closely with top researchers and uses cutting edge data to develop its supplements. Today Cytodyne is one of the industry's largest sponsors of independent clinical research on dietary supplements at universities throughout the world.

Source

Cytodyne Technologies, via PR Newswire.