Lipovarin Review: How Well Does It Work?

By Peter Bracato

In April 2003 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a ban on products containing ephedra. Since then many ephedra free fat burners have hit the weight loss market. There has been mixed success with these products. Some of the "ephedra alternative" weight loss products have been successful with fat burning and energy boosting, while others have not been nearly as effective.

Lipovarin™ is one of the more popular over-the-counter ephedra free weight loss supplements on the market today. It claims to be a powerful thermogenic weight loss compound that is also capable of appetite suppression. In addition, Lipovarin is said to possess properties that boost energy and elevate mood.

As I have stated in previous nutritional product reviews, for a product to have any clinical potential it MUST contain efficacious ingredients in amounts sufficient to achieve the desired response. What do I mean? - Trace amounts of an ingredient in a product may not be sufficient to achieve the results one may want despite the fact that the ingredient is listed on the label. Additionally, product claims should always be supported by the inclusion of ingredients known to be efficacious based upon clinical research. Too often products contain numerous ingredients that lack clinical proof supporting their use for a particular condition. I have to say that a product containing one of the highest grades of ingredients that I have ever analyzed in a weight loss product is Lipovarin™.

Below I provide a break down of the ingredients comprising the Lipovarin™ formula including my analysis of each ingredient with respect to safe and effective weight loss:

1) Advantra Z™ (385mg) is a patent pending brand of citrus aurantium which has been demonstrated in clinical studies to contain calorie burning properties. Unlike ephedrine or ma huang based products, Advantra Z™ does not contain nervous system, heart rate or blood pressure undesirable effects because it boosts metabolism by stimulating only the Beta 3 receptors. In fact, clinical results indicate Advantra Z™ contains greater thermogenic properties than ephedrine. I am extremely impressed by the inclusion of this ingredient in the Lipovarin product.

To read more on the structure/function claims on Advantra Z Click Here

2) 7-Keto™ is a naturally occurring breakdown product of DHEA that has DHEA activity, but cannot be converted to testosterone or estrogen in the body. Research suggests that 7-Keto DHEA may increase fat-burning enzyme activity. 7-Keto may also support healthy thyroid function by increasing the levels of the hormone triiodothyronine (T3) in the body, which is linked to resting metabolism. Increases in fat-burning enzyme activity may increase body metabolic rate and promote weight loss without stimulating the nervous system or changing caloric intake.

To read more on the clinical results of 7-Keto™ Click Here

3) Green Tea extract (150mg) is an ingredient with much clinical data in support of its role as a weight loss compound. I am a big fan of green tea because its benefits extend beyond weight loss and into other health defense areas. For weight loss green tea has been shown to effectively increase metabolism by as much as 4-6%. This "speeding up" of one's metabolism may lead to the reduction in overall body mass, i.e., weight loss.

4) Serotain™ (295 mg) is a proprietary blend of Griffonia simplicifolia extract and other natural ingredients that contain 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP enhances endogenous levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. The most widely studied effects of serotonin have been those effects on the central nervous system. According to Richard Borne, Ph.D., faculty at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, the functions of serotonin are numerous: it appears to have involvement with appetite control, sleep, memory and temperature regulation, as well as mood and behavior. What I really like about the inclusion of this ingredient in Lipovarin™ is the potential for psychological support while dieting, as we all know that dieting is hard enough without being a nervous wreck. Serotain™ supports your weight-loss program by enhancing your mood in a natural way.

5) Metabromine™ (350mg) is a derivative of the cacao tree which produces the seeds used in making cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter. It provides appetite suppression, as well as an energy boost without the accompanying jitters many consumers experienced with ephedra-based products. Metabromine is a rather unique appetite ingredient that performs in similar fashion as Hoodia Gordonii. It definitely has some very real potential.

5) Caffeine (200mg), which speeds metabolism, is the most active ingredient in many "diet pills". Caffeine breaks down fat, freeing fatty acids which are immediately burned. Conversion of fat to energy is about 30 percent more efficient when caffeine is consumed prior to exercise.

6) Glucuronolactone (300 mg) detoxifies the body by speeding up the elimination of harmful substances, both endogenous (toxins within or made by the body) and exogenous (external toxins such as radiation, or pollution that penetrate the body from the outside). Supplementing with glucuronolactone aids the transportation of amino acids during amino acid metabolism.

7) Taurine (200 mg) helps to emulsify dietary lipids in the intestine, thus promoting digestion. It also regulates heartbeat and maintains cell membrane stability. Taurine has protective effects upon the human brain and is often used to boost brain function and cognitive abilities.

8) L-Carnitine (15mg) is a water-soluble, B-vitamin-like nutrient that the body uses to turn fat into energy. Carnitine aids in decreasing fat levels in the blood, thus aiding weight loss. New research continues to support the daily use of L-carnitine as a health supporting nutrient, much like the regular use of vitamin C.

Overall, Lipovarin™--is one of the most complete formulations of a weight loss product as you will find on the market today. I am extremely impressed by both the weight loss and the energy boosting components contained in the product. In the future I would like to see more clinical data on the efficacy of the Metabromine™ ingredient (appetite suppressant) contained in the formula, however, all in all, I highly recommend Lipovarin™ as a weight loss product.