Looking for help with losing weight? Help that goes beyond changes in the usual lifestyle, portion control advice and exercise routine? Best Weight Loss Suplements touting names like "fat burners" and "thermo max" can be charming. But do they work? And even more important, in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration recently ban ephedra, are they safe?

In this article, Environmental Nutrition provides a snapshot of 10 of the ingredients of the most popular today in the supplement to lose weight.

Chitosan
Made from the shells of lobster, shrimp and shellfish, Chitosan is indigestible fiber. This should help weight loss by binding with the fat you eat, blocking absorption. However, research does not support this claim. Side effects include constipation and gas. People with shellfish allergies should be careful.

Chromium
Most often present as Chromium Picolinate, has been promoted to increase lean mass and reduce body fat. Although the study findings have been inconclusive, an analysis of several studies recently concluded that the supplement with 200-400 micrograms of chromium Picolinate can produce about 2.5 pounds of body weight per week in some people. Other studies have found loss of body fat and increase muscle tissue, with no change in weight. The others did not find effects at all. Although some laboratory studies have raised safety issues, a large number of human studies suggest that safe.

Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange)
This herbal extract is a natural source of synephrine (a compound similar to ephedrine) and the supplement industry the answer to the current ban ephedra. But there is no published research to show it is an effective supplement to lose weight. And like ephedra, side effects include increased blood pressure; Environmental Nutrition recommends avoiding.


Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Both animal and human studies suggest possible role of CLA in reducing body fat and increase lean body mass, but not quite ready for prime time. None of the human studies have long-term. CLA is currently being studied in combination with Chromium Picolinate. CLA is found naturally in foods and cow's milk and is generally considered safe.

Garcinia Cambogia
Extracts from the skin of the fruit Garcinia Cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which should curbs food intake, weight and storing excess calories as fat. However, research has failed to prove G. Cambogia is a reduction in effective weight loss aid. The most common side effects of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Guarana
Caffeine is an effective ingredient in guarana plant seeds. Guarana may have appetite suppressant effects of light during the short term. It is often used in combination with ephedra ephedra until banned. Potential side effects of caffeine overdose-is their insomnia, anxiety, worry or panic.

Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB)
HMB is a natural byproduct of the amino acid leucine solution. HMB supplements are used by body builders in hopes of increasing muscle mass. Several small studies indicate that HMB increases lean mass and decreases body fat when combined with weight training. However, studies with overweight and obese people are needed.

Plantago psyllium
Psyllium is a water-soluble fiber from Plantago ovato seeds. Taken before meals, it may make you feel full, causing you to eat less. Although proven to help constipation (that's how Metamucil works), has not proven as a reduction in effective weight loss aid.

Pyruvate
Formula pyruvate boast that they stimulate metabolism and reduce body fat. Pyruvate is found naturally in foods and in the body as a result of carbohydrate and protein solutions. Several studies have shown weight loss benefits with a supplement pyruvate. But the people in this study also carried out and reduce calories. In addition, the doses used in this study high, take a few tablets each day. Experts say the case of pyruvate to help weight loss is weak.

Yerba mate
Brewed into tea, bitter Yerba mate, a high caffeine. Used in combination with other caffeine-containing herbs such as guarana and damiana, found in a study to delay gastric emptying time and aid weight loss. The study was short (45 days), so keep your weight in the conclusions can not be made.

The Bottom Line
Though all are relatively expensive and not proven, from the top of this popular weight-loss contenders, chromium Picolinate CLA and perhaps the most studied. If you've made the decision to go to the supplement route, you might want to give them a try. But do not expect miracles and check with your doctor first.