Xenadrine Ultra: Side Effects and Dangers

First, about the supplement: Xenadrine Ultra is a thermogenic supplement that claims to increase the metabolism, causing rapid weight loss. It claims one study showed its ingredients helped people lose 10 more pounds compared to placebo, but this study was never peer-reviewed. Its safety is debatable. Caffeine, damiana and yerba mate all pose serious health risks to consumers. Some common side effects of Xenadrine Ultra include:

Caffeine

According to Iovate Health Sciences U.S.A., who owns Xenadrine, one serving of Xenadrine Ultra contains 200 milligrams of caffeine--about the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Iovate Health Sciences U.S.A. recommends taking three servings per day, the equivalent of 600 milligrams of caffeine per day.

This is considered excessive caffeine intake by numerous hospitals and health organizations, including the Mayo Clinic.

Common side effects associated with heavy caffeine intake include trouble sleeping (insomnia), nausea, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, restlessness and fast or irregular heartbeat.

Caffeine can also worsen the effects of anxiety, making it unsafe for people who suffer from panic attacks or anxiety disorders.

Damiana

The majority of damiana's side effects come from arbutin, a glycoside that converts into hydroquinone in the urinary tract. According to Cathy Wong, an alternative medicine expert for About.com, hydroquinone can cause ringing in the ears (tinnutis), vomiting, nausea and convulsions. Damiana can also mild indigestion.

Damiana is included in one of Xenadrine Ultra's proprietary blends, so it has not been established how much damiana is actually present in Xenadrine Ultra.

Yerba mate

Yerba mate contains few short term side effects. According to MedicineNet.com, common side effects of yerba mate include nausea, vomiting, irritability, headache, nervousness, increased urination and flushing of the skin.

According to a 2003 study reported in Head and Neck Oncology, consuming yerba mate regularly can also increase the risk for certain cancers, such as esophageal and mouth cancer.

Arguably, the majority of Xenadrine Ultra's side effects come from its excessive caffeine content. If you have a heart condition, an anxiety disorder, chronic headaches or insomnia, Xenadrine Ultra may not be safe. As always, if you are diabetic or pregnant, you should not take any supplement without a doctor's approval first.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic staff. "Caffeine: How much is too much?" (MayoClinic.com)

Wong, Cathy. "Damiana" (About.com)

Goldenberg, D., Golz, A., Joachims, H.Z. "The beverage mate: a risk factor for cancer of the head and neck." (nbvi.nlm.nih.gov)