Update 4/11/24. MeraTrim is a weight loss supplement that I've started to notice showing up as an ingredient in diet products lately and this has generated some questions about what it was and if it worked or not. So, in this review, I want to look at the research on MeraTrim and see if I can help people make sense of it. MeraTrim is not only found as an ingredient in diet supplements it can also be an ingredient in some weight loss supplements. So, does it work? Does it have any side effects? Let's look at the research.
What Is MeraTrim?
MeraTrim is a weight loss supplement that is composed of 2 ingredients:
- Sphaeranthus indicus
- Garcinia mangostana
Let's briefly look at each ingredient and then review the weight loss evidence.
Garcinia Mangostana
This is another name for mangosteen. One study noted that mangosteen juice reduces inflammation in overweight people compared to a placebo. But, no significant weight loss was observed. Some research suggests mangosteen gel may improve gum disease.
Garcinia mangostana is not the same thing as Garcinia Cambogia, which is potentially dangerous for some.
Sphaeranthus Indicus
This ingredient is sometimes called East Indian Globe Thistle. It is not the same thing as milk thistle. While I saw no weight loss research for this herb, some preliminary evidence it might reduce blood sugar in rats.
Even though both ingredients may individually lack weight loss evidence in humans, MeraTrim itself does have some human clinical trials. This suggests that mangostene and sphaeranthus indicus may complement each other. Let's take a look at that evidence next.
MeraTrim Research
There are three clinical research on the Meratrim weight loss supplement. A grant from InterHealth Nutraceuticals, the maker of MeraTrim supported the first two studies. That said, the researchers report no conflicts of interest (that's good).
Study 1
In this investigation, 60 overweight people were randomly given either a placebo or 400 mg of MeraTrim twice a day ( 800 mg total per day) for 8 weeks.
Results. Researchers noted that those taking Metatrim lost an average of 8.2 pounds (3.74 kg) and 2.1 inches from their waists (5.44 cm). Additionaly, those getting MeraTrim also saw an increase in adiponectin, a hormone made inside fat cells that is involved in fat burning and regulating 
While these results are impressive, the people also ate only 2000 calories per day and were instructed to walk 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week (150 minutes per week). In other words, they likely ate fewer calories and did some exercise.
Study 2
This investigation has the same title as the study above and was conducted by the same group of researchers. One difference is that 100 people were used in this study, which lasted for 8 weeks. People were randomly given either a placebo or 400 mg of MeraTrim twice a day (800 mg total per day).
Both groups were given meals that equaled 2000 calories per day and instructed to walk 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week (150 minutes per week).
Results. MeraTrim promoted more weight loss than those taking the placebo. More specifically, those getting MeraTrim lost about 8 pounds (3.8 kg). Additionally, the weight loss started to be noticed after just two weeks.
Problem. When reading this study, it looks like the results from the first study (study #1 ) were combined (pooled) with the results of this investigation.
Why did they do this?
I would prefer that they report the results of the studies separately. While both investigations were similar, how do we know the results from one study didn't influence the outcomes of the other study?
Study 3
This investigation involved 50 people who were given either 800 mg of Meratrim a day or a placebo. The study lasted 16 weeks. Those who received Meratrim lost more weight than those who took a placebo. Like the first two studies, those in this investigation also consumed only 2000 calories per day and walked 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Still, those taking the placebo did this, too, and yet the Meratrim group still lost more weight.
MeraTrim And Dr. Oz
If you research MeraTrim, you may see references to it appearing on the Dr. Oz Show. However, the Dr. Oz website has removed the video segment featuring Meratrim—as well as many other supplements featured in the past. This change may be the result of tough questions asked by Senator McCaskill about supplements appearing on The Dr. Oz Show. Here is the McCaskill video.
Here's a video of when the supplement was featured on QVC
How Much Of Each Ingredient?
Because MeraTrim is made of two different ingredients, some might wonder if they could take those two ingredients individually and get the same weight loss effect – for less money. I'd imagine that it is possible, but one sticking point is how much of each ingredient MeraTrim contains.
The research doesn't specifically tell us how much of each ingredient are present, although MeraTrim does a 3 to 1 ratio of ingredients.
In other words, there are 3 times more Sphaeranthus indicus than Garcinia mangostana. If each dose contained 400 mg total, then 300 mg should be Sphaeranthus indicus and 100 mg should be Garcinia mangostana.
MeraTrim Side Effects
The research shows significant adverse reactions from MeraTrim. That said, here are a few things that are worth mentioning. This list is not complete.
- Start with the least amount possible for the first week, just to see how you respond.
- Both human studies used 800 mg of MeraTrim per day for 8 weeks. Until more is known, don't use more than 800 mg per day until we know more.
- The ingredients in MeraTrim might have a blood-thinning effect. This could be an issue for people taking blood thinner medications.
- Speak to your doctor before using Meratrim if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Stop all supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Keep in mind that supplements with multiple ingredients may have additional precautions. When in doubt, show the list of supplement ingredients to your pharmacist and doctor for more specific recommendations.
What Is The Best Brand?
MeraTrim is a product of InterHealth Nutraceuticals (InterHealthUSA.com). All supplements that contain “MeraTrim” get it from this company. The human clinical studies suggest an effective dosage at 400-800 mg per day. If MeraTrim is going to work (promote weight loss), the effects might be seen after 2 just weeks.
Does MeraTrim Really Work?
While the research suggests Maratrim may help people lose weight, I'd like to see a couple of other studies to know for sure. Also, remember, if it's really going to work, it should be combined with eating fewer calories and exercise. That's what the people in the clinical studies did.
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