Xenadrine
RFA-1 is touted as the best-selling fat-burning, weight loss supplement
in North America. Question is... is xenadrine rfa-1 really anything
to write home about?
Special Note: Xenadrine Rfa-1 has been discontinued, and replaced with the ephedra free Xenadrine EFX (reviewed here!). Nonetheless, I've left this article available for your convenience. If you're looking for a quality ephedra-based alternative to Xenadrine Rfa-1, check out NutriAmerica's Trimspa).
Yes,
xenadrine rfa-1 is a pretty decent product, but it's really nothing
new. It's based on the same standard ingredients found in any decent
fat burner on the market today. That includes Ma Huang (standardized
for ephedrine), guarana (for caffeine), bitter orange (for synephrine
- similiar to ephedrine but with subtler side effects), and white
willow bark (salicin).
This
product also contains a "Proprietary ThermoSynergist Blend",
consisting of L-Tyrosine and L-Carnitine (amino acids), plus Fisetin,
Magnesium Phosphate, and DMAE. Canadian visitors take note: the
Canadian version of this product will vary slightly due to different
government policies dealing with the regulation of such supplements.
The packaging is all the same, but the ingredients *are* different
(I agree - this is misleading, so double-check the label!).
Although
some of the ingredients in the "Proprietary ThermoSynergist
Blend" have some benefits as weight loss agents, the foundation
of this product lies in the ephedrine/caffeine/aspirin stack that
has been used by bodybuilders for ages. Yes, this stack is effective
as a fatburner, and has been proven to be so.
But
there IS a dark side.
Ephedrine
is a fairly serious stimulant, and may be dangerous for those with
heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes, liver, thyroid,
or psychiatric diseases. It's often marketed as an over-the-counter
decongestant. It's this same drug that is a major component in the
formulation of the notorious biker drug, methamphetamine, or crank.
Since
ephedrine is often derived from it's herbal equivalents, (Ma Huang,
Sida Cordifolia, Country Mallow), products containing ephedrine
are often described as all-natural, and therefore healthy. The fact
that the ephedrine is derived from all-natural sources doesn't make
it any less of a health hazard for certain individuals.
Does Xenadrine Rfa-1 Work?
I
have used xenadrine rfa-1 and other ephedrine-based products on
numerous occasions, and have found them to be *very* effective --
especially when combined with an appropriate diet and exercise program.
In comparison to FDA approved weight loss drugs like dexfenfluramine
and fen/phen (fenfluramine. phentermine -- which can exhibit serious
side effects), ephedrine seems a suitable alternative for people
who can tolerate these stimulant-based products.
**Note**
Cytodyne (the makers of this product) have undermined their credibility,
and the credibility of what is in reality a decent product, by making
outrageous claims in their advertising campaigns. You know the kind
-- 350% more effective, scientifically proven blah, blah, blah.
This has put them into legal hot water in the U.S. (Click
here to read " Federal Judge Grants Motion for Preliminary
Injunction Finding Advertisements False for 'Number One-Touted'
Weight Loss Product in U.S.).
If
you're interested in learning more about ephedrine and the controversy
surrounding it, read
this article!
If
however, you wish to experiment with this thermogenic (fat burning)
cocktail, there are a few things you must know...
First
and foremost, please double check with your doctor
before starting out with any ephedrine-based product. Read the product
label carefully, and never exceed the recommended dosage. Especially
in the case of xenadrine rfa1, more is *not* better!
Second...
remember, any weight loss supplement only works properly in conjunction
with a proper diet and regular exercise.
Xenadrine
rfa1 is not a magic pill. It is not a miracle solution. Unless you
are willing to make the appropriate changes to your diet and lifestyle,
this product will do little more than empty your pocketbook. However,
if you are looking for a superior quality fat burner to complement
a smart diet and exercise program, this product is definitely worth
a try. Although we used to stock xenadrine rfa1 at our super store, it is no longer available. As an alternative, check out Trimspa...
Trimspa at Ultimatefatburner's Super Store!