PGN Nutrition's TrimFat Diet Supplement Review

According to the product advertising I reviewed...

"TrimFat is the first ever weight management formula with TFI (Targeted Fat Indicator) Blend and the BerryLean Blend. The TFI Blend is designed to target trouble areas, including women's hips and thighs, as well as support increased energy levels. The BerryLean Blend is a breakthrough in healthy weight management utilizing antioxidants. "

Of course, this is pure advertising nonsense and PGN Nutrition doesn't seem to have any problems pushing the envelope in this regard. TFI blend? Yes, no doubt TrimFat is the first product to ever contain it, considering that this is their own invention. Sheesh.

And the BerryLean blend? C'mon guys. Seriously.

So what's in PGN Nutrition's "ground-breaking" diet supplement? Good question. Let's see... in addition to a blend of B vitamins (B5, B6 and B12) it contains the aforementioned...

1) TFI Blend™: A 665 mg blend of the following ingredients...

• Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne fruit (the active ingredient of which is called "capsaicin") is often used to improve digestion. Topically as a cream, it can be used to treat arthritis. However, it may improve the efficiency of the circulatory system, as well as elevating the internal body temperature, and increasing fat burning ability through thermogenisis.

  There is a small body of evidence that indicates that cayenne consumption can indeed elevate the metabolism (Br J Nutr 1999;82:115–23).

  Unfortunately, it's only at much higher doses (one study used 10 grams consumed along with meals!) that any effect is realized. This study (Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2007 Jan;292(1):R77-85. Epub 2006 Jul 13) says it best...

  "Capsaicin has been shown to be effective, yet when it is used clinically it requires a strong compliance to a certain dosage, that has not been shown to be feasible yet."

  In other words, in order for capsaicin to have an effect on your metabolism, it has to be taken in doses much too high to make it practical.
  
  
• Caffeine: A common ingredient in weight loss and sports performance supplements, caffeine has well-established yet mild thermogenice effects (see Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50, Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97). Retailers of diet supplements and weight loss pills like to include caffeine in their products because it is cheap, and effectively addresses fatigue, as common complaint of many dieters.
  
  
• Hordinine HCL: Included in weight loss products for its "ability" to stimulate the release of norepinephrine, desite the fact there's no evidence to indicate this is so.
  
  
• Synephrine HCL: In my opinion, synephrine is a "yesterday" ingredient. Sure, it once though to be a credible alternative to ephedra, but research has shown it to provide nearly inconsequential benefits, although anecdotal reports suggest it may have some appetite suppressing effects.
  
  
• Vinpocetine: From our glossary...
  
  "An alkaloid derived from periwinkle that affects cerebral blood flow, memory and learning. Vinpocetine is often added to pre-workout, stimulant blends designed to improve focus, concentration and training drive."
  
  
• Yohimbine HCL: The standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree, there is some data showing yohimbine is a somewhat effective weight loss supplement (see Isr J Med Sci. 1991 Oct;27(10):550-6) likely because of its action as an alpha 2-receptor antagonist. Evidence also validates its "lipid-mobilizing action."

2) The BerryLean™ blend: A 550 mg blend of the following 15 ingredients: Astathanthin, Fuco Xanthin, Grape Skin Extract, Blueberry Extract, Raspberry Powder, Cranberry Powder, Prune Powder, Cherry Powder, Bilberry Extract, Strawberry Powder, Broccoli Cruciferous Extract, Spinach Powder, Tomato Powder, Carrot Powder, Onion Powder.

The only ingredient in this blend that has any data relevant to weight loss is...

Fuco Xanthin: A carotenoid isolated from brown seaweed, and used in diet pills for its supposed fat blasting characteristics. This, based on the strength of positive animal studies. Newer studies show the combination of fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil to be beneficial for weight loss. Human data on fucoxanthin is highly lacking. Additionally, some newer evidence indicates the bioavailability of fucoxanthin is extremely low, calling into question how effective it could possibly be.

The rest of the "BerryLean" blend is a total joke, however. With only 550 mg of ingredients to be spread amounst 15 ingredients, we can be sure none are present at dosages that can't aptly be described as "label dressing." And I defy PGN Nutrition to present any published evidence to support the argument that a tiny, 550 mg blend of well over a dozen fruit and veggie extracts has any effect on "healthy weight management."

It's total nonsense.

Next, this product appears to be an exact copy of Scivation Dialene 4x (and I do mean exact, right down to the amount of B vitamins in the formula).

This can mean one of several things...

• PGN Nutrition is subsiduary of Scivation (or vice versa) and the company is marketing two identical products under different names. This is not normally done for reasons beneficial to the consumer—it is usually done because bad publicity has ruined the original product's brand, and the company wants to continue marketing it. Easiest thing to do? Rename it, and create new labels. To my knowledge however, that is not the case here.
  
  
• PGN Nutrition has copied the Scivation formula (or vice veresa): If this is true, it calls into question the ethics and credibility of whichever company is guilty. Not good.

Lastly, it certainly torpedos the...

"...first ever weight management formula with TFI..."

... statement made earlier.

That said, what's the bottom line with TrimFat?

The fat loss power of this formula is limited to its caffeine, yohimbine and to a much lesser extent, synephrine content. Not exactly overwhelming, although I have no doubt it will give you a decent energy boost, if that's what you are looking for (it's an expensive way to do so however, as a month of product will cost you $70).

Nonetheless, this "duplicate product" issue has left me with a bad taste in my mouth. The supplement industry is rife with charlattans and the unscrupulous individuals and when I see different products with identical ingredient profiles, red flags begin waving and I can't help but assume the worst.

So while I'm not exactly overwhelmed by this formula (whether its made by Scivation or PGN Nutrition) I'd be more likely to give the nod to the Dialene product over this one, since Scivation is a brand I recognize at least (we're fans of another Scivation product called Xtend, which I use regularly).

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