Updated September 9 2024. CarboFix promises to be the cure for those who are sick of dieting. That's a pretty bold claim. At the heart of this carb-blocker fat burner is an enzyme called AMPK which plays a role in appetite control, energy metabolism, mitochondria biogenesis, and many other things. So, big science words aside, is CarboFix a scam, or is this supplement real deal legit? In this honest review, you will discover the ingredients in CarboFix, the research, and how to get a refund if needed. You'll also discover who should not use the supplement, the potential side effects as well as its pros and cons. Affiliate Disclosure: This site may earn a small commission on purchases you make. See the affiliate disclosure page for more insights.
CarboFix Benefits
How Does CarboFix Work? According to the company, CarboFix is supposed to:
- Increase fat burning
- Reduce hunger
- Improve weight loss
- Improve longevity
- Support healthy blood sugar
The company says CarboFix is best suited for those whose body appears reluctant to lose 15 or more pounds. The company says this may be because your AMPK is not activated. More about that is below.
While the company states the supplement works well in women and men ages 40 to 60s, they also say it works especially well for women in their 70s and 80s. The older you are, the faster it works they say. The company does not provide evidence to back up these claims.
What Is AMPK
AMPK is at the heart of how CarboFix is supposed to work. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that acts as an energy thermostat. It senses how much energy you have and burns fat and carbs as you need them. AMPK activity rises and falls according to how much and what we eat.
Eating a high-carbohydrate or high-fat diet reduces AMPK. Conversely, AMPK activity is increased when we eat fewer carbs or less fat.
Both fasting and exercise also increase AMPK levels.
What Does AMPK Do?
AMPK has been shown to lower blood sugar, increase fat burning and improve mitochondria biogenesis – the formation of new mitochondria. Mitochondria, known as the powerhouses of the cell, are a major source of cellular energy production.
Adult Humans have about 1000 to 1200 mitochondria per cell. Generally, a greater number of mitochondria equals more cellular energy and enhanced ability to perform physical tasks, including exercise.
The makers of CarboFix suggest that the supplement can trick the body into keeping AMPK levels high, which, in theory, may lead to weight loss.
Functions of AMPK
- growth of cells
- sugar and fat metabolism
- lowers blood sugar
- appetite control
- reduces inflammation
- mitochondria health and formation
- supports autophagy (programmed cell death)
- hormone regulation
How Do You Use CarboFix?
The directions for use are as follows: take two capsules with your two largest carbohydrate meals of the day. This comes to 4 capsules a day. If you are following a ketogenic diet, you can reduce this to only one capsule with your two largest meals of the day.
Carbofix Supplement Facts
Here are the nutrition facts and ingredients in 2 capsules:
Ingredient | Amount | Percent Daily Value |
Chromium Picolinate | 200 mcg | 571 % DV |
Berberine HCL | 400 mg | N/A |
Cinnamon Bark | 100 mg | N/A |
Benfotiamine | 80 mg | N/A |
Naringin (from grapefruit) | 50 mg | N/A |
Alpha Lipoic Acid | 50 mg | N/A |
N/A = no daily value established
Any Research or Proof?
While CarboFix itself appears to not have been clinically investigated, there is research on its ingredients. Let's look at that research next.
CarboFix Ingredients
Chromium picolinate
Chromium is a mineral and Carbofix uses chromium picolinate, a chelated mineral, to boost absorption. Chromium has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. As such, it is popular with people who have type II diabetes and those trying to support healthy blood sugar levels.
There are also studies showing the mineral can help women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other research suggests chromium stimulates the AMPK enzyme too.
But what about appetite and weight loss?
In one study, women who reported having carb cravings were given 1000 mg of chromium picolinate for 8 weeks. Women taking the mineral reported fewer carbohydrate cravings compared to women taking a placebo. There is also research showing the mineral may reduce body mass index (BMI), a common measurement of obesity. However, not all the research on chromium is positive for weight loss.
Berberine
Berberine is a naturally occurring substance found in plants such as goldenseal and Indian barberry (tree turmeric). Berberine is most famous for helping people lower cholesterol levels. Studies have demonstrated berberine supplements can reduce:
- total cholesterol
- LDL bad cholesterol
- triglycerides
In one study, berberine reduced cholesterol levels by 29%, LDL bad cholesterol by 25%, and it lowered triglycerides by 35%. In addition, berberine has also been shown to be effective for helping regulate blood sugar levels too.
In another study people with type II diabetes were given 1000 mg of berberine. After 3 months, their blood sugar levels were reduced and they had lower hemoglobin A1C levels too. Preliminary research suggests berberine activates AMPK too.
So can berberine help with weight loss?
Preliminary research suggests berberine might help by triggering genes that play roles in the formation and growth of fat cells. It may also help by improving the number of healthy gut bacteria too.
Another way berberine may work is by inhibiting an enzyme called alpha glycosidase. This enzyme reduces the amount of sugar needed by the body. Most of this research involves animals. The company highlights a review article on berberine and weight loss as proof of the weight loss ability. However, what is needed is human proof.
In one study a supplement that contained berberine, coenzyme Q10, policosanol folic acid, and astaxanthin helped women lose about 2 pounds when they took the supplement for 3 months. While that is within the safe range for losing weight, it's hardly a slam dunk. Also, because the supplement contained many ingredients, it's unknown which caused the women to lose weight.
Cinnamon
Like other ingredients in CarboFix, cinnamon has a long history of helping reduce blood sugar levels. CarboFix uses “true cinnamon,” also known as Ceylon cinnamon and Cinnamomum verum. In addition, Ceylon cinnamon also activates AMPK, which may play a role in carb cravings and appetite. To quote the company, true cinnamon regulates AMPK to “prevent fat cells from filling with fat.”
So does it?
The company points to a study that shows one of the common key ingredients prevents fat accumulation in fat cells. This is good, although the study needs to be confirmed in humans. Still, it does give some evidence to what the company is proposing. Preliminary evidence also suggests cinnamon can increase the amount of metabolically active brown fat. Brown fat burns more calories than white fat does. In theory, this may also help weight loss.
What Is Benfotiamine?
Benfotiamine is a synthetic form of thiamin, vitamin B1. Thiamin is needed to lower blood sugar levels. One key difference is that benfotiamine is absorbed as much as 5 times better than thiamin. Another difference is that unlike thiamin, which is a water-soluble vitamin, benfotiamine is fat-soluble. Another name for this substance is Allithiamine. So what is benfotiamine used for? Several things.
Researchers have noted benfotiamine may reduce nerve pain in people suffering from diabetes. High carbohydrate intakes can raise triglyceride levels and contribute to liver problems, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a major reason for liver transplants. Preliminary evidence suggests that benfotiamine may help reduce liver inflammation and free radical damage caused by high carbohydrate diets.
Things that lower thiamine levels
- High sugar / high carbohydrate foods
- Alcohol (and alcoholism)
- Weight loss surgery
- Being older
- Diabetes & insulin resistance
In addition, studies have also shown benfotiamine can reduce advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) which are free radical-generating compounds that increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, and dementia and may even play a role in the aging process. Equally interesting is research showing benfotiamine may reduce cravings for alcohol.
Naringin
Naringin is a phytonutrient called a flavonoid found foods. CarboFix gets its naringin from grapefruit. Naringin is the reason for grapefruits' bitter taste. In addition to its antioxidant effects, preliminary research also finds naringin can help with bone healing, memory, and maybe cancer, although human studies need to back up these claims. In one study, naringin lowered cholesterol by 14% and LDL bad cholesterol by 17%. CarboFix uses naringin because of its ability to raise AMPK. Some research suggests it does do this. As AMPK levels go higher, the more fat you burn. This may, in theory, help with weight loss.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an abundant sulfur-containing antioxidant substance in the mitochondria. Food sources of ALA include broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes as well as organ meats like liver and kidney. The use of ALA as a therapeutic agent dates to at least the 1950s, where it was used as an antidote for mushroom poisoning.
While ALA is an antioxidant, it has also been shown to raise glutathione, one of the main antioxidant scavaging substances in the body. In animals, alpha-lipoic acid appears to raise acetylcholine levels, making some speculate it may be an effective treatment for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Human studies need to confirm this.
So can ALA help with weight loss?
In one study, 77 women given alpha-lipoic acid were shown to lose significantly more than women taking a placebo. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid also reduced leptin. Leptin is a hunger hormone made inside fat cells. As leptin levels rise, we get hungry. Reducing leptin may be associated with appetite suppression. Several other encouraging studies suggest that alpha lipoic acid may help people lose between 2 and 15 pounds over the course of several months.
Watch on my YouTube channel
Who Makes Carbofix?
The company is called Gold Vida LLC. Gold Vida LLC is located at 2283 Yellow Birch Way London, ON N6G 5C1. This address appears to be a residential area.
Matt Stirling, the “metabolism guy” is in charge of the company. As the story goes, Matt discovers the secret to the CarboFix breakthrough while visiting his wife's 99-year-old grandmother in Ecuador, a woman he says doesn't look a day over 50. There is a picture of her on the website. Mr. Sterling is also a personal trainer and professional bodybuilder.
Better Business Bureau Rating
The BBB gives Gold Vida LLC a rating of B. There have only been 2 complaints in the last 3 years and the complaints were resolved to the customers' satisfaction.
CarboFix Price
Here are the prices listed on the official website:
- 1 bottle $49
- 3 bottles $$126 ($42 per bottle)
- 6 bottles $204 ($34 per bottle)
Bonus Products
When ordering the supplement, you are also eligible for the following free ebook bonus products:
- 10-day rapid fat loss diet
- 24-Hour Fix
- 50 Fat-Blasting Red Smoothies
How Long Does CarboFix Take To Work?
While results will vary, the company says most women and may see results within the first 72 hours. While this sounds amazing, you should assume it will take longer than this. The best results will be achieved when combining the supplement with eating fewer calories and exercising. This is probably why the company also includes a 10-day rapid fat-loss diet program.
Any Autoshipments?
Some supplement companies regularly send you supplements you were not expecting or wanted. This can add unwanted/unexpected charges to your credit card. Fortunately, there are no auto-shipments with this supplement. When you run out of Carbofix, you must order more.
This is a big plus; I'm glad the company does this.
CarboFix Customer Service
If you have questions, email the company at support AT goldvida.com. The supplement is sold via Clickbank, a trusted online retail website that has been in business for over 20 years. Clickbank has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Is Exercise Needed?
The supplement is not a magic bullet. To quote the company, “For maximum results, combine CarboFix with a healthy calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise to help manage weight and avoid storing body fat.”
How Many Capsules Per Bottle?
A bottle has 60 capsules. But this is a month's supply if you take 2 capsules a day. The suggested use is to take 2 capsules each with your two largest meals of the day. If you follow these directions, a bottle will last you about 2 weeks.
CarboFix Guarantee and Return Information
The supplement comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Keep in mind the 2-month guarantee begins when you order the supplement. To request a refund, the best way to contact CarboFix is to email customer support at Support@goldvida.com. You can return unopened bottles (including any “bonus” or “free” bottles as part of your order) back to the fulfillment facility within 60 days of the date you originally ordered the product, along with your original packing slip. You may keep opened bottles if you like.
You will be issued a refund when their fulfillment facility receives the package and relays the correct information to the company. This may take up to 3-5 business days.
Carbofix on Amazon?
There are supplements on Amazon that bear the name of the supplement, they are sold by other companies. While their bottles may look similar, the ingredients may not be. It cannot be confirmed they are the legitimate CarboFix formula. You can only get CarboFix at its official website.
Carbofix Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
The supplement has no known side effects or adverse reactions. This doesn't mean nobody will have ill effects, though. To minimize this from happening, the company advises not to use the supplement if you are:
- Under the age of 18
- Pregnant or nursing
- Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications
The company also advises against taking it if you suspect you have a medical condition.
Other things to consider include:
- Start with less for the first week, such as 1 capsule. If there are side effects, taking less should minimize them.
- Berberine is not safe during pregnancy.
- Berberine may interact with several medications
- Naragin may interact with medications
- Several ingredients lower blood sugar. If combined with medicine like metformin or insulin, blood sugar may go too low.
Carbofix Customer Reviews
Some have said they were pleased with their before and after results; others said they were not. Comments left at the better business bureau pertained to not getting the supplements ordered in a timely manner. To their credit, the company responds to negative reviews and issues refunds for those not satisfied with their results.
FAQ
What is the correct dosage?
Take 2 capsules each with your two largest carbohydrate meals of the day. If you follow the directions, you will be taking 4 capsules per day.
Is it Sold In Local Stores?
If you're wondering what stores sell CarboFix near you, know it may be available at stores like Walmart, Sams Club, Kroger, and others. Because it is sold online, you should also be able to get it in other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the UK. However, check the supplement facts label to ensure the ingredients are the same as reported here. Some supplements may contain other ingredients. The reason for this is not known. The best way to buy Carbofix is through its official website.
Does It Contain Caffeine?
The carbohydrate management formula does not contain any caffeine or other stimulants. Likewise, there are also no controversial ingredients like garcinia Cambogia or exogenous ketones.
Will It Lower Blood Sugar?
Several of the ingredients, including cinnamon, chromium, and berberine, have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. As such, the diet pill may be an attractive option for those looking for a natural way to reduce blood sugar levels.
What About Appetite?
It's possible some people may have reduced appetite. Chromium picolinate, which is in the diet pill, has some proof it may curb appetite and carbohydrate cravings. Like all supplements, results will vary.
Can you take it with alcohol?
Some alcoholic beverages contain carbohydrates. A typical can of beer has 13 grams of carbohydrates, three ounces of wine have about 3 grams, and hard liquors like whiskey and vodka contain zero carbohydrates. So, will Carbofix nullify the carbs in beer? There's really no proof for this. Carbofix will not stop people from getting drunk if they imbibe too much.
Does It Cause Ketosis?
The diet pill is not a ketogenic supplement and will not cause ketosis. That said there is some evidence activating AMPK – which the diet pill is said to do – can regulate ketone production in brain cells. What this means is open to speculation. At least one report demonstrated activating AMPK restored memory in an older man with diabetes.
Does It Contain Soy?
There is no soy or gluten. The supplement is also dairy-free and non-GMO. There's no MSG, either.
CarboFix Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Ingredients make sense | No research on CarboFix itself |
Ingredients have research | 4 capsules per day |
60-day guarantee | Bold claims |
Easy to purchase | |
No auto-shipments | |
Sold via an A-rated company |
Does CarboFix Really Work?
If we set aside the company's grand claims, the ingredients make sense. Several of the ingredients also have evidence for raising AMPK levels. While this is good, the real test would be clinical research reviews on CarboFix itself. Remember, maximum benefits will be seen if you also eat fewer calories and perform some exercise. The supplement may take some time to work, too. Gaining weight takes time, and taking it off will, too.
Purchase it directly from the company here
ROSE BROOD says
I have been thinking about trying Golo or like product. my dr is not keen on the idea but I am tired of losing this fight. Can you give me some help?
Joe Cannon says
Hi Rose, Most weight loss supplements lack sufficient proof that they work so I understand where your dr is coming from. There are some things that have some evidence but please remember, reducing calories by a little bit and getting some regular exercise like walking will also help with weight loss.
Here is a list of supplements which have some clinical research
https://joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Here also is a list of videos Ive done on weight loss supplements
And here is a list of weight loss supplements that I believe are scams
http://supplementclarity.com/weight-loss-supplement-scams/
I hope some of this helps Rose. I wish there was a secret out there that worked for everyone. Keep me posted on your progress and if you have any further questions.
Brent Wall says
Hi Joe,
Is the effects of the ingredients in Carbofix the same for males as females – testing of ingredient data seemed to be predominantly referred to for females. Great article as usual – Thankyou
Joe Cannon says
Hi Brent, I would think the effects would be the same. Researchers do tend to like to use women when it comes to weight loss studies but there is research on the ingredients that did involve men. I don’t see any proof men and women would respond differently. I hope that helps 🙂
Nancy says
I’m so glad I read this review! As a very controlled type 2 diabetic I am on low dose (500mg) metformin to give me that extra AMPK boost, but this natural product might be even better. I eat keto/low carb most of the time, but a little metformin helps, even though the doc says I don’t have to take it. I’ve been wanting to take natural Berberine instead of metformin, but it tends to cause stomach upset. I may try this combo and see if I can tolerate it. Will consult the doc first as I heard metformin and berberine are not good to take together. One or the other should do the trick.
Joe Cannon says
Nancy, thanks so much I’m glad you found me 🙂 yes you are correct metformin also raises AMPK levels. I think that’s wise to talk to your doc before combining berberine and metformin. Since they both lower blood sugar, in theory, they may act together and lower it more than it should be. That’s really good that the doc says you don’t need to be on metformin. That makes me think your hemoglobin A1C is in the normal range. If you try CarboFix let me know what happens.
Joe Cannon says
Thanks so much Roger, Im glad to see my review helped you understand this supplement better 🙂
Gavin says
Joe, do you think Carbofix would raise NAD levels?
Joe Cannon says
Gavin, so as you know NAD+ is a molecule needed to make ATP energy (our ultimate energy molecule). Some feel declining NAD levels may be linked to aging and aging-related diseases. Supplements touted to boost NAD levels are usually based on the vitamin niacin. That said you bring up an interesting point about AMPK and NAD levels. There is some evidence raising AMPK also raises NAD levels. Does that mean CarboFix raises NAD+? While the ingredients make me think it might, I’d need clinical proof to know for sure.
If you are interested in this here is my video on how to raise NAD naturally
Bonnie says
Ive been using carbofix for about a month so far. I can honestly say my cravings for carbs are less. I have not weighed myself yet as I don’t think 30 days is enough time to see a difference but I do think I’ve lost weight. Thanks so much for your breakdown of the ingredients. The stuff about AMPK was very interesting.
Joe Cannon says
Bonnie, thanks for the feedback. Im glad you are seeing some benefits 🙂