You may have heard of Apidexin as weight loss supplement but does it work? Are there any Apidexin side effects? The bottle says Apidexin is “scientifically formulated” which makes you think they have tested it. One thing’s for sure, there are a lot of ingredients in Apidexin, some of which I've looked previously and others I’ve not. Another thing that caught my eye is that Apidexin isn’t cheap: one month cost $49.95 according to the product website. There are many Apidexin reviews on the web but a lot of them also sell supplements and say things that I just don’t agree with. What I’d like to do with this Apidexin review is take a look at each of its ingredients because that’s the best way to see if it really is worth your time and money.
Is Apidexin Supplement Or A Drug?
When I look at the Apidexin bottle, it reminds me of something I might get at a pharmacy. I'm guessing this is just cleaver marketing to give the impression that it is FDA approved or is some how like a prescription weight loss drug. I could be wrong but to me, the name Apidexin also sounds like a hormone called adiponectin which is made inside fat cells and plays a role in fat breakdown. But, Apidexin is not adiponectin.
Apidexin also sounds a lot like Apidex-P which is another name for Phentermine, a weight loss drug.
Let me be clear. Apidexin is not a drug or a hormone. Apidexin is a dietary supplement. It has no relationship to phentermine or any other weight loss drug.
There is research on many of its ingredients but there is no published clinical proof on Apidexin itself. This is true for most weight loss supplements. Keep this in mind as you read this review.
Apidexin Ingredients
Apidexin has the following ingredients according to the Apidexin.com website:
3 capsules contains | % Daily Value |
Vitamin B12 900 micrograms | 15,000% |
Chromax 60 micrograms | 50% |
Proprietary blend of: | 1,111 mg |
Coleus forskolin | |
Irvinginia gabogenesis | |
Razberi K | |
Fucoxanthin 10% | |
Guggul Ez-100 | |
Lipolide-sc | |
Thermodiamine | |
Bioperine |
The Apidexin website also lists scientific studies as proof that these ingredients work. Where relevant, I’ll also address these studies. Let’s now look at the weight loss proof for each of the ingredients in Apidexin.
Vitamin B12
There is zero published peer reviewed clinical proof showing vitamin B12 causes weight loss. I have already reviewed vitamin B12 and weight loss as well as several other supplement that have B12 (Type vitamin B12 in the search box and they will show up). Most healthy people store several years’ of B12 in their body. If you store so much, why would you need more?
One reason that B12 might be used in weight loss supplements is because people think it gives them more energy. That's why its in energy drinks. But this isn’t true for most healthy people. For more on B12 also read my review of 5 Hour Energy.
Chromax
This is another name for chromium picolinate. Chromium is found in several supplements I've looked at previously including Avesil, Diab-X, Fat Stripper and Glucosulin. These other reviews give you many additional insights, but the bottom line is that chromium picolinate doesn't work.
Study comment. It’s interesting that on the Apidexin website that they mention “a recent study” about chromium and weight loss, but when you read the study, you see it was conducted in 1996 – hardly what I’d call “recent”.
The fact is that MANY studies have shown that chromium picolinate does not help weight loss. For example, here is a 2010 chromium weight loss study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine where 80 overweight people got 1000 micrograms of chromium picolinate (Apidexin has only 60 micrograms) for 6 months. The results: Chromium doesn't work.
There are so many nails in the “chromium picolinate doesn't help weight loss” coffin that I wonder why supplement companies keep putting in their products?
Coleus
This is also called Coleus forskohlii (and forskolin). I've already written a very in-depth Coleus forskohii review as it pertains to weight loss and included side effects also, so do read that for much more info. Basically, the research on coleus forskohii is interesting. There are some human studies showing it may work but I have questions about those studies that need to be addressed before I give it 2 thumbs up.
Study comment. I noticed that one of the coleus forskohii studies mentioned on the Apidexin website (Kreider et al 2002) is an “abstract”. Abstracts are summaries of studies. They may not be peer reviewed. As such I discount abstracts as “proof”.
Irvingia Gabonensis
This is the fancy name for African Mango. I’ve already covered African Mango in my Irvinginia gabonensis weight loss review. DO READ the comments in that review also as this are the most important part.
Ian, one of the readers of my site, has graciously undertaken the task of putting himself on Irvingia Gabonensis for several weeks and posted his weight loss results in the comments for everyone to see. Ian’s weight loss experiment speaks volumes to anyone who is thinking about using irvingia gabonensis for weight loss.
Study comment. On the Apidexin website, the studies used to support Irvingia Gabonensis are the same studies as that used to support Coleus forskohii. This makes no sense since both studies are of coleus forskohii. This is probably a mistake that occurred when the Apidexin website was created.
Razberi K
This is a compound found in raspberries. It is often called raspberry ketone and its chemical name is 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one. I'm telling you the chemical name in case raspberry ketone supplements ever become popular (I predict they will ).
Update 3/7/12. I was right. Raspberry ketones have become VERY popular. I have written an entire review on raspberry ketones and weight loss so see that review for more info on this ingredient.
The chemical structure of raspberry ketone is similar to synephrine and capsaicin, both of which are used in various weight loss supplements.
For more info on synepherine and capsaicin, read my review of Jillian Michaels Maximum Fat Strength Fat Burner. It’s an eye opener!
In one raspberry ketone weight loss study published in 2005, raspberry ketone appeared to:
- Reduce weight gain when mice that were fed a high fat diet
- Reduce body weight in lab mice
- Increase the release of fat from fat cells in lab mice
- Increase triglyceride levels (this may be due to the enhanced fat release from fat cells).
This is an interesting study even though it is a mouse study. Another study – again in mice – found that raspberry ketone increased adiponectin levels.
Remember that adiponectin is a fat cell hormone that helps break down fat (among other things). This is intriguing.
These were the only raspberry ketone weight loss studies I could locate. The results are interesting and I am looking forward to human studies.
Right now nobody knows if raspberry ketone works in humans as it seems to in mice. It might, but if it does, how much raspberry ketone works? Nobody knows this.
Fucoxanthin
What is fucoxanthin? This is a carotenoid (plant nutrient) found in some sea vegetables like seaweed.
There are a few studies that Fucoxanthin helps weight loss in lab animals. One study published in 2010 also noted that fucoxanthin helped weight loss in humans also. In this study particular study, overweight people used 2.4 mg of fucoxanthin. How much is in Apidexin? They don’t tell you.
The big problem with fucoxanthin has to do with its possible contamination with iodine. Remember, this stuff comes from seaweed – which has a lot of iodone. Too much iodine might disrupt how the thyroid gland works.
More iodine does not mean a faster metabolism. If it did, then people who eat a lot of fast food – which is often loaded with iodized salt – would be super skinny!
Guggul EZ
As I first reviewed in my book on supplements, guggul has been used for centuries in Aurvetic medicine. There are different types (categories) of guggul. The E and Z types seem to be most active. Guggul contains Guggulsterones which are said to be the things that “work the magic”.
When it comes to guggul weight loss research, there isn’t much good proof. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2003, noted that guggul did not help weight loss. Researchers gave 103 people 3000 to 6000 mg guggul extract – which is far more than is in Apidexin.
As for guggul side effects, it may have some blood thinning effects and there is even a case report of liver failure after taking a supplement that contained guggul. Guggle was not the only ingredient in that supplement so it is unknown if guggul did this or not.
People with histories of some cancers should talk to their doctor before taking guggul supplements. I suspect guggul may also interact with cholesterol lowering drugs since it does appear to reduce cholesterol. Bottom line, guggul, like many herbs, has multiple effects in the body. Its weight loss proof however is pretty poor in my opinion.
Lipolide-sc
This is a trademarked name for clary sage also known as Sclareolide. I cannot locate any clary sage weight loss research. The company that makes this product (Integritynut.com) makes many statements about how this compound helps weight loss but gives no clinical proof to substantiate any of the claims.
One lab rat study hints that clary sage may have some antidepressant activity. That doesn't mean it is an antidepressant in people but, if it does, I wonder if there might be interactions with antidepressant medications? I don’t know the answer to this so run this past a doctor.
ThermoDiamine
Other names for Thermo-Diamine are evodiamine and evodia. These are the names used in scientific research of the herb. I do not recommend this evodia if you have any health issues.
According to some lab animal research some extracts of evodia may alter heart rate and blood pressure. The herb probably has many side effects that might vary according to what extract is being used.
Thermodiamine is a trademarked product of the company Integrity (Integritynut.com). On their website they list a Evodiamine weight loss study from 2001 where evodiamine caused weight loss. Here is the 2001 evodia weight loss study that Integrity references.
What they DO NOT tell you that this is a lab rat study. Because evodamine may thin the blood and have other effects, speak to a doctor before using.
Study comment. On the Apidexin website they list an evodamine weight loss study from 2008. It’s a study of evodiamine helping weight loss in mice.
Bioperine
This ingredient is said to enhance the absorption of the other ingredients which as the Apidexin website says, to “help you get better results for less money”.
Supplements Similar To Apidexin
While I wrote my review I noticed that there are supplements sold on Amazon that sound and look like Apidexin but are spelled differently. For example, here is a product called Abidexin on Amazon. The name and bottle are almost identical to Apidexin. Interestingly the websites for Apidexin (Apidexin.com) AND Abidexin (Abidexin.com) are almost identical. The ingredients in Apidexin and Abidexin are also the same also. I'm not sure if both products are by the same company or not?
Does It Work?
As far as I can tell Apidexin -itself – has no published peer reviewed clinical evidence to make me believe it helps people lose weight. This is one of the reasons that I personally would not recommend Apidexin. The product contains ingredient that I don't feel have enough research as well as ingredients that I don't think work at all. I recommend you avoid this product but if you want to see what others are saying, here is Apidexin on Amazon.
Charles Jongbloedt says
I’ve been using it for about a month without any side effects and have lost 15 pounds. I’ve been trying to eat healthy but with the arthritis exercising is very difficult.
Joe says
Charles, hopefully as you lose weight it will be easier to exercise. Do look at exercise in a pool. many health clubs have water exercise classes.
Charles Jongbloedt says
Will do
TEE TEE says
AS ALWAYS, I APPRECIATE YOUR INSIGHT! IT APPEARS THERE IS NO MIRACLE WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENT OUT THERE AND THE BEST WAY IS HEALTHY EATING AND EXERCISE, WHICH BOTH I HATE, LOLOL!
LaWanda says
I found the webpage, Joe. Thank you. But this product “contains” raspberry ketone and I was thinking there was actually a “pure” raspberry ketone.
Dr. Oz talked about it on an exposed before the Montel Williams broadcast. Just a day or two, but before. He was talking about different body shapes and people who carry their weight on top, on the bottom, in the middle or all over. He mentioned different supplements for each situation and the raspberry is the one he recommended for the all over person….and that would be me.
I’m going to click over to a few of the other links you have listed here and read more. In the meanwhile, I just wondered if there was, indeed, a product that was only raspberry ketone.
Joe says
LaWanda, thanks for letting me know I saw the commercial for that show but didn’t record it. No matter what Dr Oz says, remember there is no supplement that can burn off fat from certain areas of the body. If you saw that show and remember the supplements he recommend for top fat, bottom fat etc let me know. Ill search his website and see if I can find that segment. Ill be reviewing the research on Raspberry Ketone in the next few days and will post a review on it.
Joe says
Hi Michelle,
People often ask me about whats the best weight loss supplement and I must say that after all the years Ive been researching them, I continue to be disappointing. most are either stimulants, laxatives or fiber. Unless you are going to take the wt loss supplement for the rest of your life, any weight you might lose with them will come right back. As such, I just dont feel they are the right thing to do. Someone recently asked me about the best weight loss supplement on my personal website and this is how I responded to her:
http://www.joe-cannon.com/home/wp/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
One thing that occurred to me is that you may not be eating enough. I know that sounds odd but 1200 calories is not a lot of calories to sustain you esp when you are working out. When you dont eat a lot -and then make your body exercise, its going to slow down your metabolic rate (slow down how fast you burn calories). This is a survival mechanism.
Try increasing your calorie intake to 1600 calories per day and see if that helps.
Also, when we start an exercise program, the body often begins to store extra carbs -and water – in the muscles.
this is a way for the body to adapt to exercise and its healthy. So, its possible that you are losing weight but that you dont yet notice it because of this adaptation.
Another thing that occurred to me is have you ever had your thyroid function measured? If your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone, it will be harder to lose weight. Your doctor will measure “TSH” – thyroid stimulating hormone. its what tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormone. If TSH is elevated its a sign that you are not making enough thyroid hormone. If anyone in your family is hypothyroid, it raises your risk.
If your eating right 80% of the time Im ok with that- as long as that other 20% inst so bad that it overshadows what you did 80% of the time. Think about what you are doing during that 20% of the time.
Don’t compare yourself to men because its usually easier for men to lose weight than women because of estrogen effect on fat storage.
How may days per week and how long per day are you working out? what are you doing for exercise?
Hannah Little says
I tried to go to the link you provided, but it doesn’t work. I’m dying to know what you think is the best weight-loss product out there. Thx!
Joe says
Hi Hannah, Thanks for the heads up. I checked my review and all the links work except for one link to one study, which I just fixed. While I try not to recommend specific products, I have listed some stuff that has research along with other things that might help too. This link goes to my personal website: http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Hannah Little says
This is all SO helpful. Thank you!
Joe says
Hannah, you are most welcome 🙂
Michelle says
Hi Joe,
I came across your website when I was looking for reviews on Bob Harpers Smart Weight loss pills. Ironic his seem…
Anyways I’m interested in some sort of weight loss pill to jump start my weight loss, it’s been many year process. I know a pill isn’t going to make me thin, but I’d like a kick. I’m on a calorie reduced diet 1200, I exercise – bike mostly and eat right 80% of the time.
I’ve lost Zero weight in 4 weeks, my friend has lost 6 and my boy friend 10. Any suggestions to help? I’m 27 female 5″4 weight 176 lbs and have been at least 20lbs over weight since age 10
HELP!?
Joe says
Myra, glad to help and I understand, it really is hard to cut to the chase when it comes to supplements sometimes. Thanks for letting me know about Apidexin!
Myra says
Joe – Thanks so much for doing this report so quickly!! There are sooo many ‘weight loss supplements’ on the internet that it’s easy to be confused, as well as my desire to lose weight (it’s such an emotional issue, isn’t it?) makes it where I WANT to believe the claims. Again, THANKS!