Universal’s Super Cuts 3 is advertised as sporting a “2 stage lipotropic and diuretic complex for maximum fat loss.”
It’s also boasts a “maximum potency formula engineered to help optimize fat metabolism, fat emulsification, fat burning, and enhance lean mass.”
Unfortunately, Super Cuts 3’s ingredient profile is neither revolutionary nor is it particularly potent (that doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide value, of course).
However, what needs to be factored in when comparing Super Cuts 3 to other fat burners is its cost. I found it available online for less than $14 at BodyBuilding.com. When you consider that competing products cost as much as two to three times as much… well, you begin to realize that dollar for dollar, Super Cuts 3 isn’t such a bad deal.
With that said, inquiring minds want to know…
What’s in Super Cuts 3?
Well, there’s a minimalist vitamin blend — containing a mere 15 mcg of chromium, a sprinkle of calcium, and a whole lot of vitamin B6.
Next you’ll find choline, inositol and methionine. These are commonly known as “lipotropics.”
These three ingredients play a critical role ensuring proper fat metabolism by the liver. In people with normal liver function, they nurture the liver, and help maintain optimal functionality. It is for those with liver “issues” that three ingredients offer the greatest benefit.
For instance, in one study it was shown that choline supplementation reversed fatty liver disease — something that can occur when the liver has an inability to process fats properly (Hepatology, 1995;22(5):1399-1403).
In cases where compromised fat metabolism by the liver is a problem, supplementation can prove beneficial. However, if overweight is caused by a combination of sedentary lifestyle and overconsumption of calories, it’s unlikely this trio of ingredients will provide you with much benefit.
Lecithin is also included in this formula — it includes the phospholipids phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl inositol, so this ingredient supports healthy liver function as well, and is a smart addition to the first three ingredients mentioned here.
As you might suspect, Super Cuts 3 also contains a modest amount of natural diuretics (taraxacum from dandelion, and uva ursi). Most natural diuretics contain significantly larger amounts of these ingredients (up to 1,500 mg taraxacum per dose) so it’s doubtful any more than a modest diuretic effect will be noticed.
Grapefruit extract is a interesting addition. Naringin, a grapefruit bioflavanoid, helps extend and increase the effects of certain compounds, including caffeine. It may also inhibit the actions of the enzyme cytochrome P450, which may be associated with obesity.
The fat burning component of this product includes three ingredients…
1. Green tea: Only 125 mg included in this formula, and its not revealed to what percentage of EGCG (a critical catechin) or caffeine it is standardized to. Nonetheless, green tea (reviewed in full here!) is a welcome addition to any fat burner.
2. L-Carnitine: Because carnitine has a role in the metabolism of fatty acids (it escorts them to the mitochondria, where they are burned for fuel), it was supposed that supplementation with carnitine would facilitate weight loss.
Unfortunately, studies have been largely unequivocal, and any positive effects have been realized using 2-6 grams daily. This formula contains 600 mg, which means it does nothing more than provide “label dressing.”
3. Cayenne extract: 50 mg included here, and usually standardized for capsaicin — the stuff that gives chili 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.
Also included in this formula are a smattering of oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid, usually derived from olive oil), and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid, usually derived from safflower or sunflower oils). Not convinced they’ll provide a heck of a lot of value at the dosage level provided in this compilation.
Bottom line on Super Cuts 3?
Many of the ingredients included here are at “less than optimal” dosages. But then again, what do you expect for less than $12? With Super Cuts 3, you get a decent lipotropic blend plus a few other useful ingredients (green tea, taraxacum and naringin).
Will using Super Cuts 3 help you lose a ton of weight?
Hardly.
Nonetheless, it’s not a bad product – you could do worse, while spending much more.
