Scivation Dialene 4x Review: 4X The FatBurning?

Posted By Paul on Nov 5, 2012 | 0 comments

SciVation’s Dialene 4x fat burner takes a slightly different approach to weight loss. In addition to including the “usual suspects” in their product, they’ve also added an “antioxidant blend” to enhance fat burning and weight loss.

To determine whether or not there’s anything to this claim, we’ll need to take a closer look at the Dialene 4x formula. What’s in it?…

A B-vitamin blend (B-vits are usually included in weight loss products to provide the raw material necessary for proper energy metabolism), plus…

1. The G6 Fat Incinerating Matrix™: A 665 mg blend of the following…

i. Cayenne Pepper (40,000 HU): The active “fat burning” ingredient in cayenne is “capsaicin.” Capsaicin is the chemical that gives chile peppers their “heat.” The theory is that capsaicin “revs” up your metabolism by creating heat, thus burning off extra calories. However, 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.

ii. USP Caffeine: A well-known thermogenic with established, albeit relatively mild, weight loss benefits (see Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50, Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97).
It’s also used to cheaply and effectively address the most common complaint of dieters—fatigue.

iii. Hordenine HCl: Normally spelled “hordenine” and often sourced from citrus aurantium (like synephrine) It’s alleged to be beneficial for fat/weight loss, due to its ability to stimulate the release of norepinephrine, although there is no evidence/research to validate this claim. Its value in this formula therefore, is largely speculative.

iv. Synephrine HCl: Once thought to be a credible alternative to ephedra, clinical evidence has not been kind to synephrine. The most positive study I could find concluded…

“CA (citrus aurantrium) alone increased thermogenesis, on average, by 4% (52), a response that is statistically significant but not necessarily clinically significant, representing an average 1 kg over 6 months.”

For more, see the full synephrine review.

v. Vinpocetine: Often added to fat burners and pre-workout, stimulant blends designed to improve focus, concentration and training drive (see BSN’s No-XPLODE as an example).

vi. Yohimbine HCl: The standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree is yohimbine. This compound is often used as a natural aphrodisiac. It is also sold as a drug (in the U.S., a popular brand is Yohimex containing 5.4 milligram of yohimbine hydrochloride per tablet) and is used to treat impotency, dilate the pupil of the eye, and stimulate fat loss (studies indicating weight loss are promising but not revolutionary — see Isr J Med Sci. 1991 Oct;27(10):550-6).

2. LipidOX™ Blend: A 550 mg blend of…

i. Astathanthin (1%): Likely misspelled, should be “astaxanthin”, a potent antioxidant with possible immune-boosting characteristics.

ii. FucoXanthin (10%): 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, however.

iii. Antioxidants: 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.

No one is arguing that “improving your antioxidant profile” as stated in the Dialene advertising copy is a bad thing. However, this statement…

“The LipidOx Blend was designed to contain a high amount of the anti-oxidants research has shown to have a significant effect on fat loss.”

… takes marketing “spin” to a whole new level. Where, exactly, is the clinical data that indicates a couple of hundred milligrams of this 13-ingredient antioxidant blend has a significant effect on weight loss?

I’ll tell you where it is—nowhere. Because it doesn’t exist. It does make compelling advertising however. In recent months, consumers have been bombarded by the message that other “revolutionary” antioxidants (like acai, for instance) have magical, fat melting powers. There is no evidence that they do, and these scams have finally attracted the attention of various U.S. Attorney Generals.

At the end of the day, there is very little in the Dialene 4x fat burner to get excited about. When the rubber hits the road, the claims made for this product aren’t remotely reflective of reality. However…

… if the caffeine, synephrine and yohimbine in this product are present in a strong enough dosage, I have no doubt you’ll feel a definite “jolt” from this product. And of course, all three of these ingredients do “work” to some small extent.

It’s up to you to decide whether it warrants spending just under $30 for a two-week supply of the product (15 days at the full 4 caps per day dosage). You know what I think.