Akavar™-20/50 is a popular and highly advertised weight loss supplement. The manufacturer of the supplement claims that you can "eat all you want and still lose weight."
Akavar products are made by Dynakor Pharmacal.
The supplement contains the following active ingredients:
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Yerba mate
- Trimethylxanthine (another name for caffeine)
- Guarana
- Damiana
- Green tea
- Ginger root
- Kola nut
- Schisandra fruit
- Scutellaria root
- Tibetan ginseng
- Cocoa nut
- Jujube fruit
- Thea sinensis complex.
It is not known how (or even if) Akavar works for weight loss. Several of the ingredients in it contain caffeine, which may have some effect on suppressing the appetite or perhaps increasing metabolism.
There is a lack of scientific evidence supporting a conclusion that Akavar is effective for weight loss. No adequate research studies have been performed and published. The Akavar Web site claims that its effectiveness has been proven in a published clinical study. However, the name of the study (or even where or when it was published) is not provided. Even if it is assumed that this study is valid, it was a very small study -- too small to make any definite conclusions.
The manufacturer of Akavar recommends a specific dose, despite the fact that a safe and effective dose for many of the active ingredients in the supplement has not been established.
Because Akavar products have not been adequately studied, very little is known about the possible side effects. Based on the caffeine content of the supplement, it is reasonable to assume that the following stimulant-related side effects are possible:
(Click Akavar Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Akavar
Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this supplement if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Is Akavar Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known what to expect from an overdose. Because the supplement contains caffeine, it is reasonable to assume that taking too much can cause stimulant overdose effects, such as:
- Insomnia
- Muscle twitching
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Fever
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Loss of life.
How Should Akavar Be Stored?
Refer to the label on your Akavar product for information on how best to store it. Keep the supplement out of the reach of children.
