Norexin. Norexin Slim Sculpt is a slimming product offered by Biotech Corporation

Next, AdipoVin™, an exclusive French grape seed extract, is present. It has the powerful effect of enhancing fat cell release as well as “blocking” fat cell storage. This would thus reduce fat storage process.

Lastly, to increase its antioxidant activities, VerdOx™ is added to the product. VerdOx™ is an antioxidant blend which provides antioxidant protection against increased “free radical” production caused by increased metabolism. This would allow the body to repair itself.

Ingredients of Norexin Slim Sculpt

* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet ** Daily Values not established

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When starting on Norexin, users should take a tablet with a glass of water approximately half hour before morning meal and one tablet before or with lunch. After 3 days of use, two tablets can be taken with breakfast and lunch.

Analysis of ingredients

1. Natural vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl succinate)

Vitamin E is know to contain antioxidants properties, protecting the body against damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. However, to date, human trials and surveys have failed to conclusively associate vitamin E with decreased incidence of cancer.

Vitamin E may help prevent the formation of blood clots, which could result in heart attack. Preliminary research led to wide belief that Vitamin E may help prevent or delay cardiovascular disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol.

There are some claims that natural vitamins are better absorbed that the synthetic ones but it is not true. Different forms of the active vitamin component offer different activities – absorption and distribution vary in the body. Both the natural and synthetic vitamins are metabolized them both in the same way as the body cannot differentiate between natural or organic and synthetic vitamins. Natural or organic vitamins are simply more expensive

RDA for Vitamin E for adults above 14 is 15mg (=22.25 IU)

2. Niacin (as niacinamide)

Niacin has significant benefits on high-density cholesterol and also benefits on low-density cholesterol though effects are less dramatic. Thus, niacin is a well-accepted treatment for cholesterol. Moreover, it plays an important role in the production of several sex and stress-related hormones, particularly those made by the adrenal gland.

The dietary reference intake established by the Food and Nutrition Board for niacin ranges from 16 to 18 milligrams daily for adults.

3. Selenium (as selenomethionine)

Selenium, a trace mineral, is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. This aids in the prevention of cellular damage from free radicals, which may lead to the development of cancer and heart disease. It also helps to regulate thyroid function which is vital in the immune system.

The daily RDA for selenium in both males and females above 19 years is 55 μg.

4. Chromium (as chromium dinicotinate glycinate)

Trivalent (3+) chromium is recognized for enhancing the action of insulin, an enzyme which converts glucose to glycogen. It is also required in trace amounts for sugar metabolism in humans and its deficiency may cause a disease called chromium deficiency.

5. Natural caffeine from green tea

Caffeine is a central nervous system and metabolic stimulant. It simulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness. The amount of caffeine in green tea is generally less than black tea. However, no information can be found on whether caffeine found in green tea is the most tolerated form of caffeine.

6. Catechins (EGCG)

Catechins are polyphenolic antioxidant plant metabolites, which have been linked with various health benefits. According to professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, epicatechin can lower the risk of four of the major health problems: stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes.

7. Magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate is a natural occurring mineral, commonly used in laxatives. It attracts water through the tissues by osmosis and increases water in the intestines, which may induce defecation. 

8. Glycine

As cells in the body are able to synthesize the amount of glycine required to meet physiological needs, it is not considered as an essential amino acid. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, especially in the spinal cord, brainstem, and retina. It is vital in prevention for muscular degeneration, improvement of glycogen storage, and for the reparation of damaged tissues located throughout the body.

There is growing evidence that there is a presence of positive effect of glycine on lipid metabolism in rats. It is to note that human research has not been determined. Also, recent animal studies suggest that glycine may have some anti-cancer properties. Growth of tumors in rats has been reduced with the use of glycine.

9. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea leaves. Studies suggested that oral intake of L-Theanine could cause anti-stress effects via the inhibition of cortical neuron excitation. In addition, L-Theanine may have some relaxing effects under resting conditions.

Evaluation of claims

In this following section, each claim made by Norexin would be discussed.

1. Boost metabolism

Based on the above research carried, this claim may true. Chromium is required in trace amounts for sugar metabolism. Also, caffeine, a metabolic stimulant is present, elevating the speed of metabolism. Hence, based on the research, it is concluded that Norexin is able to boost metabolism to a certain extent.

2. Inhibit fat storage

Research on all the ingredients have failed to show a clear positive relationship  between the ingredients and blockage of fat storage. There was also lack on information on reliable websites on AdipoVin™, (exclusive French grape seed extract) the main ingredient responsible for blocks fatty acids from entering the fat cell.

On the other hand, glycine which is included as part of the Neurothermic Modulator Propriety Blend, plays an important role in glycogen storage and there is increasing evidence showing the positive effect on glycine on lipid metabolism in rats. However, this is not necessarily true in the case of humans as it has not been verified.

Thus, it is concluded that this claim may not hold completely true.

3. Protect cells against “free radical” damage

This claims implicitly implied the antioxidant property of the product. Vitamin E is present in the product. As stated above, Vitamin E protects the body against damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. Although human trials and surveys have failed to conclusively associate vitamin E with decreased incidence of cancer, the claim that Norexin “protects cells against “free radical” damage” can substantiated due to the presence of Vitamin E.

4. Promote a calming, focused effect

Lastly, the presence of L-Theanine validated the claim that Norexin helps to promote a calming, focused effect on the body. As mentioned in the above section, L-Thaenine has anti-stress stress and relaxing effects on the body.

However, no research data can be found to support the claim that caffeine from green tea has the best calming effect.

Conclusion

Based on the evaluation of ingredients, it can be concluded that only some claims that Norexin made are true. The lack of information on the main ingredient responsible for blocking fat cell storage - AdipoVin™, makes it unable to validate the claim. Body fat proportion must be reduced for the claim of making consumers slimmer and leaner to hold true. Daily energy required for the body is 2000kcal and each gram of fats would produce only 9kcal. Hence, maximum amount of fats burned each day is only 222g. However, the body does not only burn fats alone. Carbohydrates are first metabolized followed by proteins. Hence, for a consumer relying only on Norexin, to become slim and lean, a long period of time is required.

In addition, under the table for ingredients for Norexin, some information is misrepresented. For instance, it is stated that based on RDA, the amount of Vitamin E present (30IU) is 100% of the daily requirements. However, this is not true as research have shown that the RDA for Vitamin E for adults above 14 is 15mg (=22.25 IU). For niacin, RDA recommends 16-18mg for adults while 20mg is present in Norexin. Ill-informed consumers may be misled by the inaccurate ingredients table. Fortunately, the differences in the figures are rather small. However, it is important to note that for individuals with a well-balanced diet, it is easy to obtain the RDA for the different vitamins and minerals. Excess amount of the various vitamins and minerals would be excreted from the body. Hence from this point of view, Norexin is not required and does not provide any additional benefit to the body.

On the other hand, ingredient such as Catechins has been linked to be able to reduce the risk of major health disease such as stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. Therefore, this would be beneficial to the body. In addition, glycine has also been found to reduce the growth of tumors. This would also have positive effect on the body.

As a whole, Norexin can bring about some positive effects to the body but it is unable to provide some of the benefits that it claims to. It is not sufficient to consume Norexin alone. Proper diet with regular exercise is still the best way to maintain good health.

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Sources

Goldhaber SB. Trace element risk assessment: essentiality vs. toxicity. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2003;38:232-42.

Combs GF, Jr and Gray WP. Chemopreventive agents: Selenium. Pharmacol Ther 1998; 79:179-92.

Nehlig, A; Daval JL, Debry G (1992 May-Aug). "Caffeine and the central nervous system: Mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic, and psychostimulant effects". Brain Res Rev 17 (2): 139-70.

 

 

 

 

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