There is a growing medical crisis in the United States that can affect anyone. One in seven people have osteoporosis, costing $20 billion to the US economy each year. This rate is going up as the population of the US ages. It also does not include osteopenia, which also can lead to an increase in bone fractures and their severity.

We've all had broken bones, so what is the big deal? As we age, these breaks can require lengthy rehab, hospital care, or lead to death. In fact, 40% of those who suffer a major break after the age of 80 die within one year. That statistic is 20% for those over 70. FYI, the average life expectancy for someone in the U.S. is 78. 

With all that on the line, and past problems with drug therapies, you would think the FDA would inspect the information for clinical testing of new therapies more seriously. Nope.

Senators Seek Information on Side Effects ofMedtronic Bone-Growth Product 

I submit that if your therapy has worse side effects than the disease it is treating, you may want to change things up. There are several new supplements that have clinical studies showing bone density improvement with their use. Among those I like Bone StrengthTake Care  and The Grow Bone System from The Garden of Life.  Both of these products are safe and support bone density.

Fair Product Reviews Need to Be Complete

I have spent a considerable amount of time helping people manage their weight. These conversations frequently start with the question: “Do any of these products work?” The expectation is that supplements to help people manage their weight are all scams. There are certainly enough scams out there to warrant some skepticism, but I find that the larger issue lies with the use and expectation of the supplements available. People looking for the magic pill should try the end of the rainbow.

When I read the review of a supplement on Diet-blog,  I felt that they undervalued the ingredients of the product and did not tie them back to the manufacturer's claims. This kind of review only perpetuates the problems of the industry and does not educate the reader effectively.

I have not tried this product and I am not familiar with it or the manufacturer outside of the review. The product line is called Quick Trim. In an effort to fairly review it, I will only be able to speak to its ingredients, not to the product itself. If these ingredients are just “names on a label”, they will not have the effects I am talking about.

From the review:

Ingredients

Caffeine (200 mg), Vitamin C, Niacin, Chromium, Amino Acids, Banaba Leaf Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Willow Leaf Extract, Cocoa Extract, Black Pepper Extract, Fruit Extracts, Green Tea, Aloe, Oat Fiber, Various Seed and Root Extracts

Quick Trim Claims

• Cleanse and detoxify
• Burn fat and boost metabolism (burn up to 8,000 calories per month)
• Reduce cellulite to shape and tone your body
• Boost energy levels and increase mood
• Decrease bloating and water retention
• Maintain blood sugar levels
• Curb cravings
  

The Conclusion

The caffeine (which you can find in two cups of coffee), acts as a mild stimulant, a temporary diuretic, and a mild appetite reducer. The niacin may make your face feel hot and flushed to give you the sensation that the product is working. Chromium has been heavily studied and researchers are still unsure if it may help promote stable blood sugar. All of the other ingredients in Quick Trim are fairly insignificant. A few may act as a mild laxative or add a few grams of fiber to your diet.
Mainly, Quick Trim could likely calm your appetite for about 15 to 60 minutes and act as a mild laxative. However, I don't believe it is going to help you shed pounds. This supplement is likely safe, but every person is different and those allergic to caffeine or who have low caffeine tolerance should be cautious. Quick Trim is not FDA approved. As always, proper diet and exercise is the key to safe and long term weight loss.

Of the ingredients that were listed but not discussed, the first I was surprised to see was banaba leaf.  I have previously written about this supplement and feel it supports healthy blood sugar levels, which does help craving control. Cocoa extract is a source of theobromine, which acts to control appetite and cravings. It also helps with mental focus. Black pepper extract can improve the absorption of the other ingredients in the supplement. Left out of the review was the fact that caffeine is also a diuretic, which speaks to the claim regarding bloating and water retention. I would have to know what aminos and fruit extracts are in the product, but these too can be very effective in the battle over the bulge.

Outrageous claims and jaded reviews do nothing to educate the consumer, and many will fall victim to both and give up on their health as a result.