Tetrazene KGM-90 looks like it has been discontinued by the manufacturer, BioQuest (ProSource).
The main ingredient of note in the Tetrazene KGM-90 formulation is glucomannan.
I’ve talked about glucomannan several times on this site already — after all, it plays a major part in the formulations of the “As Seen On T.V. product FiberThin (the manufacturers of this product were recently sued by the FTC), and one of MuscleTech’s fat burners, Diet Tech.
Several clinical studies validate glucomannan’s ability to lower LDL cholesterol and blood lipid levels — as well as blood sugar levels (J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):36-42, Diabetes Care. 2000 Jan;23(1):9-14, Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2005 Jun;15(3):174-80).
There also appears to be some evidence validating glucomannan’s positive effect on weight loss (Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93, Med Sci Monit. 2005 Jan;11(1):PI5-8)
One study (Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93) showed that 1 gram of glucomannan, taken with 8 oz. of water one hour prior to meals, has a significant influence on weight loss — almost 6 pounds of fat lost in two months, with no changes in eating habits.
Of course, there is an issue with glucomannan. You see…
Glucomannan may bind with and hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. It’s probably a good idea to use a high quality multi-vitamin when supplementing with glucomannan or glucomannan-based products like Diet Tech, FiberThin, and Tetrazene (I’m wondering if the presence of glucomannan in such large large amounts may actually hinder the effectiveness of the rest of the various products formulas?).
Additionally, I’ve received some interesting feedback regarding glucomannan-based products and their side effects.
These tend to involve the fact that these pills can occasionally get stuck in the esophagus and cause a blockage.
Although this seems a bit far-fetched, a clinical study (Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2007;45(1):80-2) indicated glucomannan-based supplements can pose a hazard for individuals with upper gastrointestinal pathology.
I have several friends who use the NOW brand version of glucomannan, and to avoid this problem, they simply break open the capsules, and sprinkle it over their food.
Despite this, glucomannan (which is a source of dietary fiber) definitely exhibits some pretty exciting properties. After all, adequate fiber intake is a critical element of good health — fiber can lower blood sugar levels, increase satiety, contribute to digestive health, improve regularity and prostate health and even lower cholesterol levels. It can even have a positive effect on weight loss as well…
Nancy Howarth, a nutritionist from Tuft’s University in Boston, suggests people who add an extra 14 grams per day to their diet could expect to lose 4 pounds and decrease food intake by 10% in 4 months.
Additionally, the typical low quality North American diet does not contain nearly enough fiber — the average North American consumes 15 grams of fiber daily — 10 grams less than the minimum recommended amount of 25 mg.
The question is, of course, will the addition of Tetrazene or glucomannan into your lifestyle result in significant weight loss?
Well, anytime you add fiber into your diet, you are essentially filling yourself up without adding additional calories. High fiber foods and fiber supplements (like Metamucil, for example), generally help you feel fuller faster, and stay satiated longer.
So yes, Tetrazene (and other glucomannan supplements) may help you to eat less. However, if you are still consuming significantly more calories then you require, supplementing with Tetrazene won’t do anything for you (click here for an article on the best fat burners that includes an explanation of how to determine the amount of calories you require!). The basic rule still applies — take in more calories then you require, and it is impossible to lose weight.
And while glucomannan is an interesting compound, I’d be surprised if you couldn’t attain 90% of its benefits merely by replacing the starchy carbohydrates in your diet with high fiber fruits and vegetables.
What benefits do products like Terazene, FiberThin and Diet Tech offer to consumers?
They are a highly portable, convenient form of fiber. If you live a lifestyle where this sort of convenience is important to you, then Tetrazene KGM-90 may offer you some slight benefits.
However, I have found that glucomannan-based products like Lipozene and Tetrazene are very expensive for what is essentially a simple fiber supplement. The NOW brand glucommanan is a suitable alternative, and cheap; a 180-capsule bottle is just under $10 at BodyBuilding.com, our recommended online retailer. Click here to purchase from BodyBuilding.com!
Although I do not know of any actions taken against the makers of Tetrazene, it is worthwhile to note that the FTC has taken action against makers of other glucomannan-based products. Obesity Research Institute LLC, for instance, was forced to pay $1.5 million in customer redress for making unsubstiated claims about their products FiberSlim and Propolene. Both these products were based upon the ingredient glucomannan.
Moral of the story?
Glucomannan is a promising supplement, but it won’t work miracles. Any retailer or manufacturer making such claims does not have the necessary evidence to verify such claims, and certainly does not have your best interest at heart.
