Supplement Facts

State of the art. Powerful yet safe. These guiding principles were used to formulate NOW’s Diet Support capsules, reflecting some of the most cutting edge research available.

Safety is one of the most important ingredients that goes into the formulation of every NOW product. For NOW Diet Support capsules, we required each ingredient to meet NOW’s stringent quality requirements, have comprehensive supportive research, and above all, have a proven safety record. We synergistically combined several key ingredients:

Super Citrimax™

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a relative of citric acid, a fruit acid that accounts for the tartness in lemons. HCA is naturally found in high amounts in the Malabar tamarind (Garcinia cambogia) fruit. Studies continue to amass on the role it plays in fat burning even with short-term use. It is believed that by inhibiting a particular enzyme, HCA moves the metabolism of excess carbohydrates away from inevitable fat storage.*

And HCA may support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well, since this enzyme also functions in these arenas. The body’s stores of glycogen, an appetite-controlling carbohydrate is increased, a fact that interests exercise enthusiasts due to glycogen’s positive role in energy and endurance.* 

We know appetite is also partly controlled by a brain chemical called serotonin. Medical science is very interested in the role serotonin plays in sleep and mood as well. Studies suggest HCA may help the body support adequate serotonin levels, but naturally and without side effects [1]. For safety, we use the heavily researched and clinically proven Super CitrimaxTM form. Balanced with calcium and potassium and HPLC tested for purity.*

Bitter Orange Extract

Many companies have chosen to use the stimulant ephedra or ephedrine in their diet support formulas. Concerns over these ingredients led us to turn to a patented Bitter Orange extract called Advantra Z®.* 

This powerful alternative has long had a variety of uses in traditional Chinese medicine and stimulates certain cell receptors in the body in a much more selective fashion than ephedrine. This reduces unwanted effects, while maintaining its thermogenic quality [2] *. Thermogenesis is a fat burning process that occurs independent of exercise. The researched Advantra Z® extract we chose uses a proprietary extraction technique that eliminates solvent residues. Standardized to 6% synephrine it includes four other biologically active and synergistic components+.*

In Part Two, we will look at a few of the foundational components to this comprehensive formula.

References:

[1] Safety and mechanism of appetite suppression by a novel hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX). Ohia SE, Opere CA, LeDay AM, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Stohs SJ. Mol Cell Biochem. 2002 Sep;238(1-2):89-103.

[2] Citrus aurantium as a thermogenic, weight-reduction replacement for ephedra: an overview. Preuss HG, DiFerdinando D, Bagchi M, Bagchi D. J Med. 2002;33(1-4):247-64.

+Bitter orange extract’s active components may synergize with caffeine with respect to both thermogenesis and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant and lactating women as well as individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood are advised to consult a health care professional before using this product.

NOW FOODS' DIET SUPPORT PRODUCTS

NOW's "Dr. Recommended" Diet Support is an advanced thermogenic formula designed by Dr James Balch, Jr and certified nutritionists. Dr Balch is a medical doctor and co-author of the popular book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing".

NOW Diet Support has been formulated to maximize effectiveness. In addition, this product was designed so that none of its ingredients interferes with or interacts with other commonly used diet support ingredients; in fact, NOW Diet Support enhances the entire weight loss process [1]+. In Part One of this article, we explained how Citrimax and Bitter Orange Extract assist in boosting the metabolism. Part Two concludes with some of the foundational components:

L-Carnitine

The nutrient l-Carnitine is the carrier that fats need to ride in order to enter the fat burning “furnaces” of our cells. Afterwards, the toxic byproducts are removed via l-Carnitine. This makes l-Carnitine deficiencies of critical import not only in fat metabolism but also for organs and tissues that rely on fats for their proper functioning.

The heart derives two thirds of its energy from fats. Therefore, many medical professionals welcome l-Carnitine’s cardiovascular support potential. NOW Diet Support contains a substantial amount of l-Carnitine to ensure the smooth functioning of these fat burning “furnaces”. NOW uses L-CARNIPURE®, the finest l-Carnitine available. It is supplied by Lonza of Switzerland, and is guaranteed to be free of the counterproductive impurities found in other brands.*

Green Tea Extract

Green tea naturally contains protective antioxidants. Other companies add green tea to their diet support products for its naturally occurring caffeine content, which can provide changes in energy and metabolism. But research suggests it may be the antioxidants rather than the caffeine that are the critical components in green tea’s fat burning effect [2].*

NOW uses a green tea standardized to contain a minimum of 60% of these important polyphenol antioxidants, and greater than 30% active catechin components. Tested for microbiological and heavy metal impurities this extract is guaranteed to be pesticide free.*

Chromium and accessory nutrients

As every “Low Carb” dieter knows, the management of blood sugar levels plays an invaluable role in weight loss. Lifestyle factors including poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress can cause undesirable fluctuations in blood sugar and can even lead to a condition called insulin resistance syndrome.*

This is a condition where insulin’s role in blood sugar control becomes hampered, possibly contributing to sleep disturbances, obesity, and even adult onset diabetes. Chromium is an important factor in insulin function and interest is building for its potential value in supporting healthy blood sugar levels [3] and weight management [4].*

The addition of Vitamin B-6 and Uva Ursi to NOW Diet Support helps to support healthy water balance. Iodine is included to support the production of thyroid hormone. These ingredients round out a balanced, safe product that adds up to more than just a sum of its parts *.

[1] Pyruvate and hydroxycitrate/carnitine may synergize to promote reverse electron transport in hepatocyte mitochondria, effectively 'uncoupling' the oxidation of fatty acids.

McCarty MF, Gustin JC. Med Hypotheses. 1999 May;52(5):407-16.

[2] Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, Girardier L, Mensi N, Fathi M, Chantre P, Vandermander J. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;70(6):1040-5.

[3] Insulin resistance: lifestyle and nutritional interventions.

Kelly GS. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Apr;5(2):109-32.

[4] Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on body composition: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. Kaats GR, Blum K, Fisher JA, Adelman JA. Curr Ther Res 1996;57:747–56.

+ Bitter orange extract’s active components may synergize with caffeine with respect to both thermogenesis and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant and lactating women as well as individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood are advised to consult a health care professional before using this product.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

NOW's "Dr. Recommended" Diet Support is an advanced thermogenic formula designed by Dr James Balch, Jr and certified nutritionists. Dr Balch is a medical doctor and co-author of the popular book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing".

If there’s one thing that can be said about each and every one of us, it’s that we all want to look and feel our best.  There’s just no arguing it.  But in light of today’s fast-paced, food-on-the-go society, looking and feeling our best often presents a long list of challenges.

Even the most dedicated health enthusiasts can appreciate what an arduous task staying fit can be.  Preparing balanced meals in advance, counting calories, exercising regularly and avoiding unceasing temptations can make supporting a healthy figure almost as challenging as quantum physics.

Fortunately, this battle is not an impossible one. For those of us who don’t have the metabolism of a 16 year-old track star, there are a number of dietary supplements designed to help support healthy metabolic activity.  And while they have the potential to make stepping on a scale far less terrifying, it’s important to understand a few things before rushing out and grabbing the first one on the shelf.

CHOOSING WISELY

Standing face to face with a wall of metabolic diet support supplements can be confusing.  Accordingly, most people tend to make one of three common mistakes.  The first, is by making your decision based on the appearance of the label.  Fancy labels that are flooded with promising words such as lean, slim, cut and burn might look good, but keep something in mind; there is not a single person walking the earth that was ever able to reach their goals because of an eye-catching label. 

Next, many people fall victim to the “the more it costs, the better it must work” syndrome.  Don’t be fooled.  The only reason you’ve heard of these high-priced companies is because they saturate magazines with pricey full-page ads.  At the end of the day, you end up paying for it.  Sadly, this doesn’t equate to you getting a better supplement.  Instead, look for a trusted, GMP certified manufacturer with a respectable history of success, and you’ll be in great shape.

Finally, the biggest mistake you can make is choosing the wrong type of supplement.  You can avoid this common pitfall by first determining what it is you’d like to accomplish.  Because regardless of the details, making an educated decision from the very beginning can save you a great deal of time and money.

METABOLIC DIET SUPPORT

How successful you are in reaching your goals will ultimately be determined on how willing you are to see them through.  With the right mix of dedication, perseverance and knowledge, you’ll be well on your way.  NOW Foods carries an extensive line of metabolic diet support supplements to keep you well-fueled in the process. 

Chromium Chelavite® is a registered trademark of Albion Labs.