PGN Nutrition’s TrimFat appears to be discontinued.
According to the product advertising I reviewed…
“TrimFat is the first ever weight management formula with TFI (Targeted Fat Indicator) Blend and the BerryLean Blend. The TFI Blend is designed to target trouble areas, including women’s hips and thighs, as well as support increased energy levels. The BerryLean Blend is a breakthrough in healthy weight management utilizing antioxidants.”
Of course, this is pure advertising nonsense and PGN Nutrition doesn’t seem to have any problems pushing the envelope in this regard. TFI blend? Yes, no doubt TrimFat is the first product to ever contain it, considering that this is their own invention. Sheesh.
And the BerryLean blend? C’mon guys. Seriously.
So what’s in PGN Nutrition’s “ground-breaking” diet supplement? Good question. Let’s see… in addition to a blend of B vitamins (B5, B6 and B12) it contains the aforementioned…
1. TFI Blend™: A 665 mg blend of the following ingredients…
i. Cayenne Pepper:Cayenne fruit (the active ingredient of which is called “capsaicin”) is often used to improve digestion. Topically as a cream, it can be used to treat arthritis. However, it may improve the efficiency of the circulatory system, as well as elevating the internal body temperature, and increasing fat burning ability through thermogenesis.
There is a small body of evidence that indicates that cayenne consumption can indeed elevate the metabolism (Br J Nutr 1999;82:115–23). Unfortunately, it’s only at much higher doses (one study used 10 grams consumed along with meals!) that any effect is realized. 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. Caffeine: A common ingredient in weight loss and sports performance supplements, caffeine has well-established yet mild thermogenic effects (see Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50, Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97). Retailers of diet supplements and weight loss pills like to include caffeine in their products because it is cheap, and effectively addresses fatigue, as common complaint of many dieters.
iii. Hordenine HCL: Included in weight loss products for its “ability” to stimulate the release of norepinephrine, desite the fact there’s no evidence to indicate this is so.
iv. Synephrine HCL: In my opinion, synephrine is a “yesterday” ingredient. Sure, it once though to be a credible alternative to ephedra, but research has shown it to provide nearly inconsequential benefits, although anecdotal reports suggest it may have some appetite suppressing effects.
v. Vinpocetine: From our glossary…
“An alkaloid derived from periwinkle that affects cerebral blood flow, memory and learning. Vinpocetine is often added to pre-workout, stimulant blends designed to improve focus, concentration and training drive.”
vi. Yohimbine HCL: The standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree, there is some data showing yohimbine is a somewhat effective weight loss supplement (see Isr J Med Sci. 1991 Oct;27(10):550-6) likely because of its action as an alpha 2-receptor antagonist. Evidence also validates its “lipid-mobilizing action.”
2. The BerryLean™ blend: A 550 mg blend of the following 15 ingredients: Astathanthin, Fucoxanthin, 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.
The only ingredient in this blend that has any data relevant to weight loss is…
i. Fucoxanthin: 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. Additionally, some newer evidence indicates the bioavailability of fucoxanthin is extremely low, calling into question how effective it could possibly be.
The rest of the “BerryLean” blend is a total joke, however. With only 550 mg to be spread among 15 ingredients, we can be sure none are present at dosages that can’t aptly be described as “label dressing.” And I defy PGN Nutrition to present any published evidence to support the argument that a tiny, 550 mg blend of well over a dozen fruit and veggie extracts has any effect on “healthy weight management.”
It’s total nonsense.
Next, this product appears to be an exact copy of Scivation Dialene 4x (and I do mean exact, right down to the amount of B vitamins in the formula).
Why is this? Is PGN ripping Scivation off?
Nope. For all intents and purposes, PGN Nutrition appears to be a partner or subsidiary of Scivation, for the purposes of marketing “women’s” products.
In other words, it’s Marketing 101. Fitness competitor/model Jen Hendershott is the “face” of the company, and “girl” colors (pink and purple), loopy script fonts and “K.I.S.S” language dominate the sales site. This is a far cry from the way Scivation typically promotes its products to (predominantly) male bodybuilders and gym rats (Dialene 4X itself comes in a “hardcore” red/black bottle; and the sales spiel features a ton of detailed technobabble). While I can’t blame Scivation for attempting to open a new market for its products, I still find it mildly amusing to see such painfully obvious stereotypes used to turn a completely unisex product into something specifically “male,” or “female.”
Lastly, it certainly torpedos the…
“…first ever weight management formula with TFI…”
… statement made earlier.
That said, what’s the bottom line with TrimFat?
The fat loss power of this formula is limited to its caffeine, yohimbine and to a much lesser extent, synephrine content. Not exactly overwhelming, although I have no doubt it will give you a decent energy boost, if that’s what you are looking for (it’s an expensive way to do so however, as a month of product will cost you $70. You’d probably get 70% of the benefits from a $5 bottle of caffeine pills).
