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Labrada Charge Fat Burner Review: Does Charge Work?
 The original "ephedra-powered" Charge was one of my favorite fat burners for a long time (in fact, when ephedra became illegal, I was sure to stock up. To this day I still have about 4 bottles of the original Charge formula in my freezer). The combination of passion flower with the ephedra stack was a great one, in my opinion, as it eliminated a lot of the "jitters" associated with ephedra products.
Of course, the controversy surrounding ephedra has caused it to become illegal in many countries (it is illegal in the US, due to the overturning of a ruling that previously reversed the status of ephedra), and Labrada's Charge has been reformulated accordingly.
The foundation of the new Charge is built around two ingredients... caffeine and green tea (standardized for catechins and ECGC). Several studies validate green tea's ability to elevate the metabolism, as well as inhibit carbohydrate metabolism by impeding the action of a particular digestive enzyme called amylase. Caffeine, of course, is a well known thermogenic, common to most ephedra-free fat burners.
Those of you who are sensitive to caffeine may do well to avoid Labrada's Charge, as it contains a significant amount -- well over 300 mg, once you factor in the caffeine content present in the green tea.
To put that in perspective, that's the equivalent of slightly more than three strong cups of coffee per dose. The good news is that Charge delivers this dosage in two capsules, so you can always assess your tolerance to this product by taking half a dose. |
Better yet, the use of green tea in combination with caffeine is even more beneficial and powerful (Obes Res. 2005 Jul; 13(7): 1195-204), and therefore adds credibility to this formula.
Charge also contains small amounts of white willow bark, pyruvate, and ginger root -- all at dosages that amount to little more than window dressing in this formula.
The "Proprietary Charge Thermoblend" contains 340 mg of the following...
- L-tyrosine: a thyroid-hormone precursor, supplementation may increase thyroid hormone levels and boost your metabolism. Unfortunately, there's no definitive evidence that this is so. At the appropriate higher dosage, it can also has a beneficial effect on mood and concentration. Unfortunately, this formula contains a relatively small amount of l-tyrosine.
- L-carnitine: Usually included in fat burners because of its "supposed" ability to encourage fat burning within the cell, studies on l-carnitine's effectiveness as a fat burner are largely unequivocal. Additionally, studies have been performed with 2-6 gram dosages -- much higher amounts than included in this formula.
- Naringin:a citrus flavanoid common to grapefruit, the effects and levels of caffeine can be extended when consumed with naringin.
So what can you expect from Charge?
Well, as I indicated earlier, the combination of green tea and caffeine is a pretty good one, and will likely yield some positive results. That's provided, of course, that you make the appropriate changes to your diet and lifestyle. Charge is no miracle pill, so don't expect anything unless you're willing to make some changes. In comparison though, this formulation can't hold a candle to the original formula that I loved so much.
Have you used Labrada's Charge?
Tell me what you think!
Looking for a fat burner recommendation?
Read my review of Lean System Seven!
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US visitors should submit a complaint to the US Federal Trade Commission!
Canadians, submit a complaint at the Canadian Competition Bureau!
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