The ephedra based Xenadrine RFA-1 has been discontinued largely due to the FDA crackdown on ephedra-based products (If you are looking for the newest version of this product, please click here for the Xenadrine Ultra review!).
However, I’ve left the original article up for your convenience. Please note…
If you’re interested in obtaining ephedra safely and legally, check out my review of “The Black Market Report On Ephedrine.” It will show you how to source and use ephedra, without risking the wrath of the law.
And now, the original Xenadrine RFA-1 review…
Xenadrine RFA-1 is touted as the best-selling fat-burning, weight loss supplement in North America. Question is… is xenadrine rfa-1 really anything to write home about?
Many people know Xenadrine RFA-1 as the product that “killed” Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler. Much was made of the fact that a bottle of Xenadrine was found in the unfortunate Mr. Bechler’s locker, and the media — without performing an iota of due diligence — immediately attributed his death to ephedra, trumpeting the news far and wide. The Orioles, of course, were quick to bash ephedra as well. After all, if they were culpable in Mr. Bechler’s death, they might very well assume a legal liability.
According to Mike Fallon’s “Ephedra Fact & Fiction”, Baylor University researchers, commenting on the situation, had this to say…
“It seems Major League Baseball and others want to blame ephedra for the death of Mr. Bechler, rather than admit that they may have been negligent is screening, conditioning, and supervising their athletes.”
They then went on to say…
“Closer examination of contributing factors related to Mr. Bechler’s death reveals that even if Mr. Bechler did consume the supplement, it was probably the least of the least of the contributing factors leading to his death — and it may not have been a factor at all.”
Incidentally, the unfortunate Mr. Bechler’s death was never fully attributed to Xenadrine — there were simply too many other factors at play — he was on a low calorie liquid diet, he had high blood pressure and liver abnormalities, and he was wearing multiple layers of clothing (despite the heat and humidity) in an effort to “sweat off” the weight he needed to lose to make the team… and he may have been taking excessive amounts of the product.
But you never heard that in the media.
Yes, Xenadrine RFA-1 is a pretty decent product, but it’s really nothing new. It’s based on the same standard ingredients found in any decent fat burner on the market today. That includes Ma Huang (standardized for ephedrine), guarana (for caffeine), bitter orange (for synephrine), and white willow bark (salicin).
That said, the ephedra / caffeine / aspirin stack (as it is often referred to) is an extremely effective fat burner, in most cases out-performing prescription drugs for effectiveness.
Although it is now illegal, there are plenty of studies that validate both its effectiveness and safety — when used properly, of course! (See Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2004 Nov;28(11):1411-9, Obes Res. 2004 Jul;12(7):1152-7, Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001 Mar;25(3):316-24, Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Oct;30(10):1545-56, Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2005 Jan-Feb;32(1-2):47-53 ).
This product also contains a “Proprietary ThermoSynergist Blend.”
This consists of L-Tyrosine and L-Carnitine (amino acids), plus Fisetin, Magnesium Phosphate, and DMAE. Canadian visitors take note: the Canadian version of this product will vary slightly due to different government policies dealing with the regulation of such supplements. The packaging is all the same, but the ingredients are different. Although some of the ingredients in the “Proprietary ThermoSynergist Blend” have some benefits as weight loss agents, they really serve as little more than label dressing.
The foundation of this product lies in the ephedrine/caffeine/aspirin stack that has been used by bodybuilders for ages.
Yes, this stack is effective as a fat burner, and has been proven to be so.
But there IS a dark side.
Ephedrine is a fairly serious stimulant, and may be dangerous for those with heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes, liver, thyroid, or psychiatric diseases.
If you have one of these conditions, you should not be experimenting with ephedra, period.
It’s often marketed as an over-the-counter decongestant, and is included in almost every over-the-counter cough and cold remedy. It’s this same drug that is a major component in the formulation of the notorious biker drug, methamphetamine, or crank.
Since ephedrine is often derived from herbals, (Ma Huang, Sida cordifolia, Country Mallow), products containing ephedrine are often described as “all-natural.” Consumers perceive such products as healthy, and tend to regard label warnings and dosage requirements with less than the appropriate amount of respect.
The fact that the ephedrine is derived from all-natural sources doesn’t make it any less of a health hazard for certain individuals.
So in many ways, the supplement retailers are largely responsible for the ephedra ban (as unwarranted as it may be) by emphasizing the “all natural” element of their formulas, and failing to properly educate their customers.
Does Xenadrine RFA-1 work?
I have used Xenadrine RFA-1 and other ephedrine-based products on numerous occasions, and have found them to be very effective for appetite suppression and weight loss—especially when combined with an appropriate diet and exercise program.
In comparison to FDA approved weight loss drugs like dexfenfluramine and fen/phen (fenfluramine/phentermine) which can exhibit serious side effects, ephedrine seems a suitable alternative for people who can tolerate these stimulant-based products..
Of course, you can no longer experiment with Xenadrine RFA-1. It’s no longer on the market. But there are ways you can try the ephedra experience for yourself. There is a way to get ephedra safely and legally… click here to learn how!
There are companies that still sell ephedrine tablets online. Many of them are still telling their customers that the ephedra ban imposed by the FDA was reversed in April 2005.
That’s true.
But what they’re not telling you is that the same ban was reinstated in August 2006. So, despite what they are representing as the truth, ephedra is illegal in the U.S.
I do not recommend buying ephedrine tabs from the Internet especially since these companies are lying to you. If they are actively encouraging you to break the law, what do you think their commitment to the customer is like? And their customer service?
Despite the fact that ephedra is illegal, you may be tempted to experiment with it. As I said, you can find it online. If you must (and please do not consider this as a recommendation to break US law) please double check with your doctor before starting out. And always, always, always take the smallest dosage possible to assess your tolerance, and never exceed the recommended dosage.
What can you expect from ephedrine? What can you expect to feel when taking this supplement?
Ephedrine / ephedra is a central nervous system stimulant. It’s effects are nearly identical to caffeine, except that it is much more potent. Anyone who has not experimented with ephedra / ephedrine should start with the lowest dose (8-10 mg) and slowly increase it to a maximum dosage of 30 mg, no more than three times a day.
Especially in the case of xenadrine or any ephedra-based fat burner, more is not better!
Second… remember, any weight loss supplement only works properly in conjunction with a proper diet and regular exercise.
Xenadrine RFA-1 is a good product, but it is not a magic pill. It is not a miracle solution. Unless you are willing to make the appropriate changes to your diet and lifestyle, this product will do little more than empty your pocketbook.
Want to learn the real story of the ban on ephedrine? Want to learn why your rights to vitamins, minerals, and herbs are being targeted by big pharma and other special interest groups?
I highly recommend reading Mike Fallon’s “Ephedra Fact & Fiction”
It’s a great read — a bit frightening, and one heck of an eye-opener!
September 6, 2016
I am so going to piss on his grave.