Vitamins to help with weight loss

There are some supplements/vitamins that can help with weight loss by promoting fat burning. This post has a few of these ingredients that may help!


We've already discussed the health benefits of Chromium- which I can't sing it's praises enough- check out that post because it can help!

Some of these other ingredients we'll skim over- Calcium Glycinate (one of the best absorbed forms of calcium and important in preventing osteoporosis), Vitamin B12 (important for energy), Folic Acid (this one is pretty important, but I'm still going to skim.  It's a B Vitamin and used to help prevent anemia and absorption problems- it's added to many foods due to deficiency.  Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-folic%20acid.aspx?activeingredientid=1017& )

Other than the Chromium, the two other big stars of this show is the Vitamin B6 and Niacin.  

Vitamin B6 is a water soluble vitamin (meaning if you get too much you're likely to dispose of no problem- hint- pee it out).  It's needed to make important chemicals in your brain including serotonin and norepinephrine.  It's common for people to be deficient in this vitamin, but it is available in healthy foods including veggies, beans and other proteins.  Deficiencies in this Vitamin can lead to problems with nerves, circulation, mood and skin.  Many people that have other underlying problems (like thyroid, kidney or liver disease) have a hard time getting enough of this vitamin.  It has been shown in scientific studies to reduce the risk for heart disease and anemia.  It can also help with feel good brain chemicals which will help with appetite and energy.   Read more on Vitamin B6 here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b6/background/hrb-20058788

Niacin is yet another B Vitamin (B3 to be exact).  Niacin in high doses is a medication actually given to people to help with blood pressure and cholesterol.  As a cholesterol pill- it raises good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers triglycerides and has a modest effect on lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).  There are small studies that show it may help other problems as well including heart disease, type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer and more- they are still doing research on these before making recommendations.  

Yerba made (leaf) Extract- This plant's leaves have been used in holistic medication for years as a stimulant (has caffeine) and mood stabilizer.  Just like the overall product- people with heart conditions should not take this unless under careful watch by a medical professional.  It's also been used to help with joint pains, as a laxative, and for bladder infection/kidney stones.  In Central America it's made commonly into teas to treat a variety of problems.  As discussed- this is NOT a good thing for everyone and should be used limited time frames.  Get more info here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-828-yerba%20mate.aspx?activeingredientid=828&activeingredientname=yerba%20mate

Higenamine hydrochloride- this is another natural stimulant.  It speeds up the heart rate and is used in many pre-work out supplements.  It does have limited studies and the WebMD source suggests caution in taking this supplement. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1265-higenamine.aspx?activeingredientid=1265&activeingredientname=higenamine

Hordenine hydrochloride- Yet another stimulant- raises metabolism.  Similar to the above stimulants- care must be taken and there isn't many studies out.  I couldn't find this one on my normal resources for supplements- but according to Wikipedia (which isn't the best source) there have been studies, but very few- most good studies were on animals, not humans).  One thing to definitely know about this is very rarely this supplement will show up as an opiate on drug testing- so if you have a job where you can get drug tested advised them you are taking this supplement!  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordenine

Hawthorn (berry) extract- Back to another supplement with research!  yay- it does make you stop and think if it's right for you with those two ingredients above with less info.  However, Hawthorn is used for many problems including heart problems, cholesterol, digestive problems, anxiety problems and many more!  It's safe for almost everyone, but can interact with heart medications and should be checked with your healthcare provider if you take any heart medication. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-527-hawthorn.aspx?activeingredientid=527&activeingredientname=hawthorn

5- HTP (from griffonia seed extract)- This supplement is used for depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, migraines, binge eating, PMS, ADHD and many other problems.  This works in the brain and increases serotonin.  It's typically safe, but if you take seizure or certain depression medications it may interact.  http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-htp.aspx?activeingredientid=794&activeingredientname=5-htp

Green Leaf Tea extract- Green leaf tea is found in almost every weight loss supplement.  It's generally safe but when used in very high doses can be bad on the liver. It's also a stimulant with natural caffeine and may interact with some medications.  More info here: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-76714/green-tea-leaf-extract-oral/details#uses

Overall- these ingredients are NOT for everyone.  I DO NOT WANT EVERYONE TO GO BUY IT!  It can cause problems and needs to be taken carefully.  For people without any known medical problems and not taking other medications it is very likely safe, but should be taken for short amounts of time.  Everyone else should weight the risks vs. benefits and may need to discuss with medical professional if it's safe for you.