Slick marketing by so-called belly-bulge busters has always been effective because the marketing relieves the guilt of the overweight person by ad-libbing, “You are not responsible. It’s not your fault you’re overweight, ‘Cortisol’ is the culprit.” Cortisol is a stress hormone, which in excess levels leads to fat deposition and obesity.
AbGONE too toes this marketing line with the claim: “AbGONE is designed to support healthy abdominal fat loss and help minimize cortisol levels that have been linked to abdominal fat and can cause fat gain.” About AbGONE
The manufacturer of AbGONE, Biotech Research, has referred to abdominal fat research conducted at various institutions including: Yale, University of Pittsburgh and UCLA. It is true that there has been much research conducted regarding abdominal fat deposits and how to reduce it – i.e., substances identified that contribute to decreases in abdominal fat stores. AbGONE claims to have these fat reducing substances, however, these claims are a bit vague, as they are not substantiated with any specific supportive data. The manufacturer has not made explicit reference to any particular ingredient, or to the combination of ingredients that can reduce abdominal fat. AbGONE professes to contain three components that are vital to reducing abdominal fat, however the product information and marketing never states which component is actually responsible for reduction in abdominal fat. Biotech Research’s marketing would be more authentic and more helpful if they provided more information regarding the product components. On one hand, however, it is very comforting to know that AbGONE does not contain any harmful stimulants, including Ephedra.
So what’s in AbGONE?
The list of ingredients contained in AbGONE includes: Chromium, Dandelion Root & Leaf powder, AbGONE blend of Phosphatidylserine & CLA (conjugated linoleic acid oil L-Leucine L-Isoleucine L-Valine). The amount of each of the product ingredients is not divulged, as it is stated by Biotech Research to be a “proprietary blend.”
Let’s take a look at the ingredients to determine the intended use of each:
1) Phosphatidylserine is a compound known as a phospholipid. It is has been found by at least one study to reduce muscle soreness – possibly due to its cortisol suppression, as, cortisol is known to break down muscle tissue. The normal dosage of phosphatidyleserine for enhancing sports performance is up to 800 mg per day. It is not an essential nutrient supplement, as your body makes all that it needs. Phosphatidylserine is not contraindicated with any known medication and its long-term use is safe.
2) CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a free fatty acid derived mostly from safflower oil. Studies have shown that CLA is considered a safe weight loss product that can increase lean body mass and decrease fat. It occurs naturally in whole milk, cheese and red meat. L-Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid important for hemoglobin formation.
L-Isoleucine, an isomer of Leucine, is an essential branched-chain aliphatic amino acid found in many proteins; it is important in hemoglobin synthesis and regulation of blood sugar and energy levels.
L-Valine is a branched-chain essential amino acid that has stimulant activity; it promotes muscle growth and tissue repair.
3) Dandelion Root & Leaf Powder is useful as a mild diuretic – i.e., reducing excess water retention.
4) Chromium Picolinate is very useful for balancing blood sugar levels.
AbGONE asserts that it is a major breakthrough product containing ingredients that target fat and water that accumulate in the abdomen causing a potbelly. This claim is solely based on the mere inclusion of ingredients like Phosphatidylserine, Dandelion Root & Leaf Powder and Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Where is the clinical evidence to support this fact? As a sidebar, based on available research studies we know that the typical dosage of phosphatidylserine for enhancing sports performance is approximately 800 mg per day, however, we do not know the amount of phosphatidylserine or any of the other ingredients in the AbGONE formula because of its “proprietary blend.” It is therefore difficult to assess if there is enough of any particular ingredient in this product to achieve positive results. It would be to Biotech’s advantage to disclose additional product information in order to dispel any doubts created regarding the composition of the product.
Bottom line on AbGone. The product is big on promises and delivers no scientific validation to support the claim that it will truly decrease abdominal fat. This product hardly impresses me.
Peter Bracato is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of his insightful supplement articles can be found at the premier online health news magazine http://www.consumerhealthdigest.com
