Editor’s Note (June, 2015): Xyience’s Xtreme Fat Burner is discontinued. It has been replaced by a different formula, "Thermogenic Fat Burner," which will be covered in a future review.
Xyience’s Xtreme Fat Burner (labeled as an “AM” formula) claims to be a “thermogenic formula to promote energy, fat loss, and lean muscle appearance.” According to Xyience, “it’s perfect for anyone who wants to decrease their appetite and lose weight.”
Hmmm. Seems like I’ve heard this sort of thing before. Let’s have a closer look at the Xtreme Fat Burner formula to see if there’s anything to these claims. What’s in it?…
1. Hoodia: One of the most hyped products on the Net, with little to no data validating its appetite suppressing qualities, a full review of Hoodia can be found here.
2. Proprietary Thermo Blend: This contains green tea and yerba mate. Green tea (reviewed in full here!), is a great addition to any fat burner, as it facilitates weight loss through several mechanisms. Yerba mate is a source of caffeine, and may help elevate resting metabolic rate.
3. Sclareolide (derived from Salvia sclarea or as it is more commonly known, clary sage): Many fat burners contain either clary sage or Coleus forskohlii extracts, as they may have a positive effect on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP is a “second messenger” required to “spark” many intracellular processes. An increased concentration of cAMP can have such “total-body” effects such as raised thyroid hormone levels and increased fat burning.
Unfortunately, these effects on cAMP levels and a corresponding positive effect on weight loss has yet to be established in any credible human studies.
4. Ginger & Cayenne: although included here for their supposed thermogenic (fat burning) properties, the typical uses of these ingredients is quite different. Ginger is usually used to calm the stomach — to combat morning sickness, motion sickness, and even some nausea caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.
Cayenne (Capsicum) 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, Br J Nutr 1998;80:503–10).
Unfortunately, it’s only at much higher doses (one study used 10 grams consumed along with meals!) that any effect is realized. Studies are also being performed to determine whether ginger too, may positively effect the metabolism, but the jury is still out at this time.
5. Acetyl-L-Carnitine: May increase endurance through its positive effect on the Krebs (energy) cycle. I guess that can indirectly lead to weight loss, provided it gives you the additional energy needed to exercise. Too bad the clinical data isn’t supportive of this ingredient’s fat burning potential!
What’s the bottom line on Xyience’s Xtreme Fat Burner? Well, it’s an interesting formula, but unfortunately, only a few of the ingredients have any real evidence validating their worth as useful fat burners. And of course, there are no double blind, placebo-controlled, peer reviewed studies validating any of Xyience’s claims.
