VitoSlim is a diet pill manufactured by VitoPharma. It contains four herbal ingredients, some of which have known side effects. The manufacturer claims that VitoSlim was developed by a team of doctors, and has been clinically tested. However, there is no evidence on the VitoSlim website supporting these claims.

Is VitoSlim effective?

Is VitoSlim a scam? It is certainly difficult to find an objective review of VitoSlim. The reviews that come up in internet searches appear to have links to the manufacturer or are posted on sites selling VitoSlim. Interestingly a trademark search revealed that VitoSlim is not actually a registered trademark in the US, Canada or Europe – so it is not possible to find a mailing address for the manufacturer, VitoPharma. The manufacturer also claims that VitoSlim was developed by a team of doctors, and that it has been clinically evaluated. However, there is no evidence on the VitoSlim website supporting these claims. Independent testimonials regarding VitoSlim as a weight loss product are few and far between.

Pros

• Some of the individual ingredients have been tested in clinical trials and are believed to be safe
• The official product website offers a money-back guarantee

Cons

• The formulation does not contain any strong appetite suppressing ingredients. Indeed, Emblica officinalis actually stimulates appetite.
• The ingredients in VitoSlim have general health boosting benefits, but do not have much of a track record as weight loss enhancing agents
• The official product website has few customer testimonials and there is no evidence that any clinical trials on VitoSlim have actually been carried out
• VitoSlim is not a registered trademark in the US, Canada or Europe calling into question the country where VitoSlim is actually manufactured and the quality of the product
• No details of the manufacturer, the country where VitoSlim is made or a contact address are given on the website

VitoSlim side effects

The manufacturer claims that exhaustive tests have been carried out on VitoSlim and that the product does not posses any short-term or long-term side-effects. Unfortunately, they provide no evidence to back this up. Brindall berry included in the VitoSlim formulation contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Patients using oral hypoglycemic agents are advised to use caution before taking HCA, due to the possibility of amplifying the action of hypoglycemic medications. Consult a physician before commencing use. Individuals with Diabetes mellitus should use extreme caution in taking HCA, due to its glycemic action. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia syndromes should also avoid using HCA. Brindall berry has been reported to cause diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain in some users. Guggul, also contained in VitoSlim, can cause side effects such as headache, mild nausea, eructation, hiccough, loose stools and rash.

VitoSlim ingredients

VitoSlim contains the following ingredients:

• Emblica officinalis
• Commiphora mukul
• Brindall berry
• Terminalia chebula

Looking at the ingredients in greater detail:

Brindall berry (125 mg): Also known as Garcinia cambogia, the active compound in this herb is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is marketed separately as CitriMax. This compound has been demonstrated clinically to reduce appetite, burn fat and lower blood cholesterol levels. Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center (Washington, DC) and Andhra University (Visakhapatnam, India) have demonstrated that HCA can inhibit appetite, and promote thermogenesis. The compound also promotes healthy blood lipid levels. In an 8 week clinical study involving CitriMax subjects lost around 12 pounds taking the compound as compared to only 2.3 pounds in the placebo group (J. Med. [2004] 35(1-6):33-48). Interestingly, CitriMax has also been shown to increase levels of serum serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep and appetite control. No well known drug interactions are reported of this herb. However more studies are required. It has been reported that taking Brindall berry at higher doses than those recommended can result in side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. According to Ayurvedic medicine, this herb should not be taken in pregnancy or during breast feeding.

Emblica officinalis (100 mg): This is a deciduous tree prevalent in Asia. The fruits and other parts of the plant are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, jaundice, headaches, inflammation, and as a tonic. E. officinalis has been shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, antiulcerogenic, antitumor, analgesic, antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties. Adverse effects are rare.

Commiphora mukul (100 mg): C. mukul is derived from the resin of a medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Other common names are Gugalipids and Guggul. In India Guggul is taken to help reduce blood cholesterol. There is some clinical evidence to suggest that Guggul may promote fat burning (see J Postgrad Med. 1995; 41(1): 5-7) by stimulating the secretion of thyroid T3 hormone. Guggul appears to be relatively safe, although minor side effects, such as headache, mild nausea, eructation, hiccough, loose stools and rash have been reported. Guggul may interfere with the action of drugs that are metabolized by the CYP3A enzymes (J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2004;310(2):528-535). Due to potential anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects, guggul theoretically could potentiate the effects of aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. Guggul can induce CYP3A4 activity and may interact with substances metabolized by the same enzyme (J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2004; 310 (2): 528-535).

Terminalia chebula (125 mg): The Terminalia species are evergreen trees. T. chebula has been used in Indian medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders for at least 3,000 years. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Terminalia has been evaluated to a limited extent for its cardiovascular properties, as well as for its role in cancer therapy. Hepatoprotective, cholesterol-reducing and antioxidant effects have been described. T.chebula is a very mild laxative that helps to maintain regular passage of stools from the body. This plant should not be used if suffering from indigestion, feeling hungry or thirsty, experiencing dehydration after diarrhea or vomiting, or if pregnant.

VitoSlim dosage

One capsule is taken three times daily with a glass of water. Each bottle contains 60 capsules of VitoSlim

VitoSlim conclusion

The manufacturers of VitoSlim are open about its composition, so that it is possible to research the ingredients beyond the information provided on the website. However, there are major question marks about the effectiveness of the ingredients in promoting weight loss. Although the manufacturer claims that VitoSlim had been clinically evaluated no evidence supporting this claim is presented on the website.

Manufacturers’ contact details

There is no manufacturer’s contact address for VitoSlim.

VitoSlim email address: http://www.vitoslim.com/
VitoSlim telephone number: 1 (800) 991-3163