Total Control is one of several weight-loss supplements produced by the company Herbalife. The company claims that Total Control is a revolutionary product that works on the cellular level to increase metabolism and fat breakdown. It can also decrease cravings and increase energy without restlessness or irritability. And why stop there? It also claims to be a stomach soother that supports digestion. Total Control claims to do all of this using only 23 active ingredients, plus 8 more “other ingredients.” Let’s review some of these ingredients to determine if this supplement is as great as it claims.

Calcium Carbonate

Claim: No direct mention of exactly why this is included. There are studies, however, that link increased calcium intake with weight loss.
Fact: Weight loss associated from increased calcium intake has only been achieved in subjects who consumed low-fat dairy products. Researchers have not been able to achieve the same results with calcium supplements alone.

Caffeine

Claim: Increase energy and metabolism.
Fact: This is true; however, do not be fooled by the small amount in Total Control (84mg = 1 cup of coffee). There are other ingredients (cacao, yerba mate, etc) that also contain caffeine, and together, these ingredients can lead to restlessness and jitters.

Green Tea Extract

Claim: Increase resting metabolism and energy
Fact: A small study (10 men) showed that over a 24-hour period, those who consumed green tea burned more calories than those who consumed other sources of caffeine or no caffeine at all. Although these results support the claim, this study is not strong enough to be reliable due to the small sample size and time frame.

Citrus Aurantium

Claim: Increase metabolism and fat breakdown
Fact: Citrus Aurantium contains synephrine, which has been called “ephedrine’s calmer chemical cousin.” Although it works similar to ephedrine, it does not carry the same harmful side effects. There is still lacking scientific evidence showing its effectiveness as a weight-loss supplement.

DL-Phenylalanine/Tyrosine

Claim: Decrease appetite
Fact: Both are precursors to epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which have been linked to a decrease in appetite.

Damiana

Claim: Delay stomach emptying to make you feel full quicker and longer.
Fact: There is no evidence to support these claims. In fact, Damiana has been shown to have a laxative effect. This could potentially lead to eating less (assuming you are in the bathroom all day).

Queratin

Claim: Fight free radicals and support metabolism
Fact: This is true because Queratin is an antioxidant. However, it has not been shown to affect metabolism.

DMAE (Dimethalaminoethanol)

Claim: No claim is made about the inclusion of DMAE
Fact: It has been linked to effectively treating ADHD. It is also a curing agent for polyurethanes. Exactly why it is in Total Control is very unclear.

Other Herbal Ingredients

Most of the other ingredients in the herbal blend are diuretics, meaning that they will increase the frequency of urination. You can therefore weigh less, assuming you do not drink any water to replace what is lost. This can increase the risk for becoming dehydrated.

Other Non-Herbal Ingredients

These are mostly synthetic chemicals added to stabilize the product so it can sit on a shelf or in a cabinet longer.

Credibility

The first problem with this supplement is the problem shared with all supplements in that it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, there are no guarantees about the amounts, authenticity, or safety of the ingredients.

The other problem is that Total Control is not made to be taken alone. Rather, it should be included as part of a system designed by Herbalife. There are 4 systems from which to choose ranging in price from $118-$226 per month. Each system includes protein shakes to replace 2 meals per day, vitamin and herbal pills, “cell activating” pills, and Total Control. Makes you wonder if it is the Total Control supplement or the decreased calorie intake from meal replacement shakes that is responsible for the weight loss reported. I have a feeling Tommy Lasorda could answer that one!

Last, each program allows consumers to choose between taking Total Control or another supplement that boasts weight loss. If Total Control is as great as it claims, why would another supplement even be considered?

The answer is that the claims made by Total Control are neither true nor revolutionary.

Sources

http://herbaltime.com/herbalife-total-control.html?gclid=CISqm7y4n5YCFQIWFQodfkuT6g
http://www.healthnetwork.com.au/weight-loss/herbalife.asp
http://www.everydiet.org/diet/herbalife