BetaStax is a diet pill designed to burn fat, preserve lean muscle and provide energy. It is one of the most popular fat burner products sold at major online retailer BodyBuilding.com and can also be purchased in stores. Some consumers have complained of side effects including stomach discomfort, constipation, nervousness, jitters, dizziness and lightheadedness.

See also: BetaStax review

BetaStax pros

• BetaStax can be purchased in stores including GNC
• There are some testimonials presented on the website
• BetaStax does have a return guarantee but only on unopened bottles

BetaStax cons

• There is a large number of ingredients in this supplement
• Caffeine is one of the key ingredients and can have side effects
• At the time of writing clinical trial results are not detailed by the manufacturer

Side effects of BetaStax

Users frequently report a surge of energy after taking BetaStax. The manufacturer suggests starting with half the dosage to assess tolerance. Some consumers have complained of side effects including nervousness, jitters, dizziness, stomach discomfort, constipation and lightheadedness. Ingredients in BetaStax that could cause side effects include:

Caffeine: This compound is incorporated into many weight loss supplements available today. There are numerous warnings from the manufacturer in relation to BetaStax. The majority are targeted at pregnant and nursing women, probably due to the caffeine content of the supplement. Caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, insomnia and increased heart rate. BetaStax does contain other stimulants such as Citrus aurantium that can cause jitters and other caffeine-type side effects.

Chromium: Chromium has reported side effects, even when taken in low doses of 200-400 mcg per day. These side effects include headaches, insomnia and sleep disturbances. Irritability, mood change and some weight gain may also occur. There have been cognitive, perceptual and motor dysfunction reported in some extreme cases. A high dose of chromium, 600-2400 mcg per day, may cause anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, hepatic dysfunction and renal failure.

Advantra-Z: This compound is a patented form of Synephrine, an alkaloid that is derived from Citrus aurantium. It is considered as a safe alternative to the now banned Ephedra and is believed to promote thermogenesis. Manufacturers claim that Synephrine provides the fat burning effects of Ephedra, but without side effects such as sleeplessness, jitters, elevated blood pressure, etc. However, there are studies that indicate that Synephrine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate (e.g. Ann. Pharmacother. [2006] 40(1):53-7).

CLA: Clinical studies have demonstrated that there are no adverse side effects associated with CLA when taken at the recommended dose. However, some users have reported stomach upset, stomach ache and in some cases mild diarrhea. Some individuals have reported feeling slightly nauseous after taking CLA and there have been isolated cases of gastrointestinal upset or loose stools.

BetaStax safety

Betastax should not be used by individuals with medical conditions that include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions or a family history of medical conditions such as heart, liver or kidney disease
• Caffeine sensitivity
• High blood pressure
• Liver conditions
• Conditions requiring treatment with an MAO Inhibitor
• Glaucoma

BetaStax dosage

It is recommended that BetaStax be taken twice daily with morning and afternoon meals. A full daily serving is 4 capsules of BetaStax. Each bottle of BetaStax contains a 1 month supply (120 capsules in a single container). The manufacturer recommends taking 2 capsules prior to breakfast and 2 capsules prior to lunch with 8 ounces of water. Do not take in the evening. Do not exceed 4 capsules per day. Begin use with one-half the suggested serving for the first week (one capsule twice per day). For best results use as part of a sensible diet and exercise program. Consult a medical doctor prior to beginning any diet or exercise program.

BetaStax ingredients

Vitamin B1
Chromemate® (chromium polynicotinate)
Xanthicore™ Proprietary Blend: Incorporated in each capsule is 768 mg of a proprietary blend that contains the following ingredients:

• CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
• Caffeine
• Advantra Z® (synephrine, Citrus aurantium)
• Vinpocetine

PureWaySlim® Proprietary Blend: This blend contains a 250 mg combination of the following ingredients; CLA oil (providing 80% Conjugated Linoleic Acid), caffeine anhydrous, Advantra Z® Citrus aurantium fruit extract [standardized for synephrine], vinpocetine. , vegetable wax extract (standardized for 10% fatty acids), fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum graceum) (seed) (standardized for 5% galactomannan), Astragalus root extract (Astragalus membranaceus L standardized for 5% polysaccharides), Tribulus terrestris fruit extract standardized for 5% saponins, Magnolia bark extract (Magnolia officinalis standardized for 1% honokiol), French lilac extract (Syringa vulgaris standardized for 5% saponins), Jojoba fruit extract (Simmondsia chinensis standardized for 1% phenolics), Phellodendron amurense leaf and stem extract standardized for 1% berberine), Eurycoma longifolia whole plant extract standardized for 1% saponins), and rice bran extract standardized for sterols, polyphenols, amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins and fatty acids).

Other ingredients: Gelatin, rice bran oil, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, titanium dioxide.
Allergen information: Contains corn, rice, animal products (beef, pork).