Chromium Picolinate is derived from picolinic acid and chromium and is sold as a chemical compound as a nutritional supplement deemed to combat chromium deficiencies. Chromium Picolinate has shown some positive effects in treatments of atypical depression, particularly instances where carbohydrate cravings were significantly reduced made the weight loss community become interested. Currently chromium picolinate is being marketed as a supplement supposed to help body builders and athletes to develop muscles, burning excess fat, a claim which could not be verified but is persistent. While chromium is essential in the insulin metabolism, assisting in stabilizing the body’s sugar levels in the blood, the actual effect of chromium picolinate supplement in muscle building humans requires further research. In body building circles, chromium picolinate is deemed an essential part of a proper diet.

Citrus Aurantium is the Latin name for a citrus tree which grows bitter oranges. Traditionally being used by Chinese medicine and herbologists, the extract of the orange and the peel was used as a dietary supplement in concoctions with other herbs to suppress appetite. While other active ingredients of the citrus aurantium may contribute and even promote the effect, the main ingredient used in all weight loss products is synephrine, an alkaloid similar to ephedrine. It is a phenethylamine; it influences the alpha1 adrenergic receptor, constricting blood vessels, additionally increasing the heart rate and the blood pressure. In most cases the use of synephrine is paired with a diet and body building plan, where weight loss and muscle building is essential.

Cocoa Seed Extract, which is standardized for caffeine, tyramine, phenylethylamine and theobromine. Cocoa seed extract is thought to possibly help speed up the metabolism and provide feelings of fullness.

Glucomannan, a water soluble dietary fiber that comes from the konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). Glucomannan is a laxative used to create larger, bulkier stool.

Glucosamine is derived from chitin found in shells of crabs, shrimp, and oysters. There is sufficient scientific evidence to prove that glucosamine sulfate is both safe and effective for treating mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Research also indicates analgesic and disease-modifying effects of glucosamine sulfate. However, this does not imply that side effects of glucosamine sulfate do not exist. Short term use of glucosamine sulfate may lead to minor side effects such as insomnia, headache, drowsiness, heartburn, constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea and in rare cases, increase in blood pressure and heart rate and palpitations. People with bleeding disorders should not take glucosamine supplements without consulting their physician. These supplements should also be avoided by those allergic to shellfish, which happens to be the primary source of glucosamine.

Green Tea Extract comes from green tea leaves and has been shown to be a very effective supplement for many common ailments ranging from minor to life threatening. Green tea extract is known for its strong antioxidant qualities, making it popular amongst those who take an active role in ensuring their good health. In fact, green tea extract has twenty times more antioxidants than the same portion of Vitamin C, another clouted supplement for health aficionados. In addition to antioxidants, green tea extract is effective at fighting carcinogens and inflammation. Green tea extract is best known for fighting cancer when combined with other methods, for reducing inflammation, and for encouraging overall good physical health.

Hoodia Gordonii is widely thought of as an appetite suppressant; however, there have not been sufficient studies to support this theory.

Vanadium is a chemical element that not much is known about but is being used as a dietary supplement and increasing insulin sensitivity.