Acai Diet Pills

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Acai berry diet pills have flooded the market ever since Dr. Mehmet Oz pronounced the acai berry as a "superfood" that can greatly boost the health. No prescription is necessary to purchase these OTC pills, which are considered to be nutritional supplements. Most of the claims made by the manufacturers of these pills regarding weight loss are unsubstantiated, and some consumers have been ripped off by "free trials" offered.^[1]

There is currently not enough evidence to conclude whether or not acai is an effective weight loss aid, or that it can successfully treat any type of medical condition.^[2] Acai diet pills may also contain a number of additional ingredients.

Contents 1 About the Acai Berry 2 About Diet Pills Containing Acai Berries 3 How to Get Free Drug Samples 4 References

About the Acai Berry

Acai berries are fruits sometimes compared to grapes. They grow on palm trees native to South American rain forests. These berries are known to have high levels of free radical-fighting antioxidants, as well as fiber. Acai berries can be purchased whole from health food stores, and are also added to juices and other foods and beverages in addition to being sold in pill form.^[3]

One way the acai berry is unique from other fruits is that it contains monounsaturated fats, whereas the vast majority of produce does not (the avocado is another fat-containing fruit). Although acai berries may be nutritious and good for overall health when included in a balanced diet, there is little evidence that they have fat burning abilities, or even that they are healthier than other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.^[1]

Acai berry supplements have not been widely studied for effectiveness in the treatment of diseases, or for potential side effects. It is also not known if acai interacts with other medications or supplements. It is not recommended for pregnant women, as the effects on the fetus are unknown.^[2]

About Diet Pills Containing Acai Berries

Although many consumers would like to believe that there is a miracle substance that can cause weight loss, such a substance does not exist. However, this does not stop supplement manufacturers from touting acai berries as the answer to their diet needs. The bottom line is that acai has not been shown to help users lose weight.^[1] In some cases, the FDA has stepped in to stop makers of acai diet pills from making exaggerated or false claims.^[4][5]

Many brands of acai berry diet pills contain other active ingredients, some of which may not be safe. For example, Natrol's AcaiBerry Diet pill contains Metabolic Activator Caffeine Blend with several sources of caffeine. Caffeine affects the central nervous system, and can cause jitteriness, insomnia and heart palpitations. Caffeine also causes dependency with extended use, and users may experience withdrawal symptoms.^[2]

Because acai berry diet pills are considered nutritional supplements rather than drugs, there is no requirement that products be proven safe and effective before they are made available to consumers. There may be side effects that are not noted on the packaging.^[6]

How to Get Free Drug Samples

Also See: Green Tea Diet Pills, Diet Pill Side Effects, Diet Pills, Lorcaserin Approval, Phentermine Coupons, Hoodia Diet Pills, Alli, Quick Trim, Slimquick

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/acai-weight-loss-wonder-fruit?page=2
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1109.html
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acai/AN01836
4. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/CyberLetters/ucm056937.pdf
5. ↑ http://www.endonurse.com/news/2010/08/fda-warns-against-acai-berry-colon-cleanser.aspx
6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01160