Atro-Phex is a fat burner manufactured by BSN, a company well known for its sports-enhancement products. Atro-Phex is a proprietary blend containing a high number of ingredients. It is therefore highly unlikely that many of the ingredients are present at optimal doses. The manufacturer of Atro-Phex makes some strong claims, but they do not provide much evidence to back them up. If purchasing Atro-Phex check if Yohimbine, an ingredient contained in the product, is legal where you live. Yohimbine is illegal in various parts of the world including Canada, Brazil, Ireland, Australia, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Norway.
Atro-Phex side effects
A number of users of Atro-Phex have reported mood swings, irritability and upset stomachs.
Atro-Phex pros
- The list of ingredients is disclosed
- Customer service contact telephone details are given on the website
- The product manufacturer, BSN, is a well-known company and respected among body builders
- Atro-Phex can be purchased in stores as well as on-line
Atro-Phex cons
- Some users have reported negative side effects
- Lack of product information on website
- No mention of a guarantee
- Contains a long list of ingredients
- Users must drink plenty of water throughout the day, which may lead to discomfort and excessive urination
- Contains Yohimbine, which means it is illegal in Canada and some other parts of the world
- The product is not FDA approved or backed by clinical studies
Atro-Phex ingredients
A single capsule of Atro-Phex contains a proprietary blend of 724 mg ingredients. Proprietary blends make it difficult to impossible to assess if key ingredients are present in high enough concentrations to be fully effective.
The Atro-Phex formula consists of 5 complexes.
1) Adipose, atrophy and energy stimulator:
Ingredients include -
- Phenylethylamine: An alkaloid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain, and is believed to boost levels of dopamine. The increase in dopamine promotes a feeling of wellbeing.
- Hordenine: A monamine oxidase inhibitor, probably included in the formula to prevent phenyethylamine from being metabolized by the enzyme monamine oxidase.
- Razberi-Ketone: This compound is similar in structure to capsaicin and synephrine, two compounds thought to enhance weight loss via the stimulation of norepinephrine.
- IFAS50: Consists of green tea, fleece flower (Fo-ti) and Loranthus parasiticus. Fatty acid synthase is an enzyme that is involved in the process of turning carbohydrates into fat. Animal studies suggest the inhibition of fatty acid synthase can lead to dramatic weight loss. Studies also suggest that green tea, fleece flower and Loranthus parasiticus are all useful for inhibiting fatty acid synthase (e.g. Life Sci. 2004. 26;74(19):2389-99; Int J Cancer. 2003. 10;106(6):856-62).
- DL-Phenylalanine: Phenylethylamine can be naturally synthesized from phenylalanine due to a process known as enzymatic decarboxylation. Additionally, phenylalanine is involved in the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone thought to control appetite.
- Yohimbe: A number of studies support Yohimbe’s positive effect on weight loss (e.g. Isr J Med SCI 1991. 27(10):550-6). However, its effects are not dramatic.
- Methylxanthine: Contains caffeine an ingredient common to many fat burners. Caffeine’s fat burning characteristics are well known (e.g. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50, Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97).
- Citrus aurantium (standardized for synephrine): Long thought to be a credible alternative to ephedra as a thermogenic ingredient, clinical data supporting synephrine’s fat burning abilities is limited.
- Naringin: A citrus flavanoid commonly found in grapefruit. Studies reveal that naringin can inhibit some digestive enzymes which can affect the metabolism and breakdown of drugs. There is also some evidence that the effects and levels of caffeine can be extended when consumed with naringin.
- Bioperine: Included for its ability to increase the bioavailability and absorption of certain ingredients.
2) Mood and mental performance optimizers:
- N-acetyl-tyrosine, vinburnine, vinpocetine, and vincamine promote blood flow to the brain. N-acetyl-tyrosine is an acetylated derivative of the amino acid tyrosine. It is incorporated into diet pills because it enhances mood and focus, is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and it may promote fat burning since it is a precursor to thyroid hormones T3 and T4. However, a far higher dosage of tyrosine than that present in Atro-Phex is required to elicit these effects.
3) Aqua-Retic:
- Includes juniper and isopimpinellin, both of which are diuretics. Also includes isoquercetin, a bioflavanoid that has antioxidant properties.
4) Insulin support and weight management:
- Contains Cinnulin PF, a water-soluble cinnamon extract which has been shown in clinical trials to decrease blood sugar.
5) Pro-Thyroid Stimulator:
- Includes 7-keto DHEA and Dicana - a diiodothyroacetic acid isomer. One study has shown that 7-keto does have a positive effect on thyroid hormone levels in obese people. Diiodothyroacetic acid is a thyroid metabolite that may have a positive effect on metabolism, although to date, most positive studies have been animal based.
It is important to note that there have been no clinical trials performed on Atro-Phex to date.
Atro-Phex website
The website claims that Atro-Phex is one of “the most powerful, innovative, and unique formulas ever introduced in the realm of weight loss.” However, the website does not provide very much information to back these claims up.
Website address: http://Atrophex.com
Full list of ingredients
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL) 6.25mg; Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) 100mcg; Atro-Phex - extreme multi-action rapid & sustained release energy & weight management technology (Proprietary Blend) 724mg; Adipose Atrophy & Energy Stimulator Matrix ATRO-EFX A scientifically engineered ratio of: beta-Phenylethylamine, beta-Phenylethylamine Malate, Hordenine HCL, Methylxanthine, i-FAS50 (A Precise and Synergistic Ratio of Fatty Acid Synthase Regulators: Green Tea, Tuber Fleeceflower and Chinese Mistletoe); DL-Phenylalanine; Razberi-K (4-[4-hydroxyphenyl] butan-2-one); Bitter Orange; Naringin; Advantra Z (Bitter Orange 30% synephrine), Bioperine;, Yohimbine HCL; Mood & Mental Performance Optimizers N-Acetyl-l-Tyrosine-Ethyl-Ester Monohydrate, Common Periwinkle, Vinburnine, Vinpocetine, Vincamine, Vitamin B9, Aqua-Retic Matrix Juniper Berry Extract, Vitamin B6, Dandelion, Lovage, European Goldenrod; Insulin Support & Weight Management, Cinnulin PF, Pro-Thyroid Amplifier, 7-Keto (3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone),Dicana (a Patent Pending Diiodothyroacetic Acid Isomer.).
