Update 9/14/19. What are raspberry ketones and do they work? Well, if you watch the Dr. Oz Show, you may have heard Dr. Oz call raspberry ketones “The #1 miracle in a bottle to burn your fat.” Since he made that bold statement, I've heard that raspberry ketone supplements are sold so fast that vitamin stores can't keep them on the shelves! So, what I'd like to do is review the raspberry ketone research — minus the hype that you have already heard about. Only in this way can you make an informed decision about whether raspberry ketone is right for you. Other names for this supplement include red raspberry ketone, and European red raspberry, as well as the more scientific names Rubus idaeus, Rubus strigosus and Framboise Rouge. I'm telling you these other names because if you just searched for “raspberry ketone” you may not find all of the information available. For this review, I'm pretty much going to stick to just calling it raspberry ketone.
What Are Raspberry Ketones?
Red raspberry ketones are one of many compounds in raspberries and are what gives raspberries their unique smell. Like all things that come from fruits and vegetables, raspberries contain a lot of substances that are healthy —including anthocyanins, vitamin C and beta carotene. As such, raspberry ketones are also antioxidants.
Raspberry ketones also “look” similar to synephrine and capsicum — two ingredients that have been used in many weight loss supplements over the years such as the fat burner promoted by Jillian Michaels. This similarity is likely why scientists considered raspberry ketones as a weight loss agent itself.
Weight loss supplements that contain raspberry ketones include QuickTrim — the Kim Kardashian supplement —and Apidexin. See my reviews on those products for more information.
Ketone trivia. The name ketone is a chemistry term. That's not important. I just thought people might like to know where the word came from. On some websites they spell ketone as “keytone” but this is an incorrect spelling of the word. Again, not important.
Tip. Keep in mind as you read this review that raspberry ketones are not the same thing as ketones that are made when people go on low-carb diets or in people who are diabetic. Those ketones are not the same as raspberry ketones.
Raspberry Ketones And Weight Loss
When Dr. Oz asked his fitness expert, Lisa Lynn (more about her below) on TV, how she found out about the weight loss properties of raspberry ketones, Lisa said “Research research research.” So, I looked up the research on raspberry ketones and this is what I discovered.
In a study published in 2005, titled the Anti Obesity Action of Raspberry Ketone, the supplement was given to mice that were fed a high-fat diet for several weeks. Mice were split into different groups, each getting the same calories but getting different amounts of raspberry ketones (either 0.5%, 1% or 2%).
The diets were about 40% fat in each group. Researchers noted that raspberry ketones — that made up between 1% and 2% of total calories — caused a reduction in body weight and fat buildup in the livers of mice after 10 weeks of use, compared to mice that only were fed a high-fat diet.
Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline ) is a chemical made in the adrenal glands that act as a neurotransmitter and does many things, one of which includes helping to burn fat. This study also incubated isolated mouse fat cells in norepinephrine along with raspberry ketones to see what would happen.
The researchers observed that the combination of raspberry ketones and norepinephrine caused more fat to leave the fat cells than norepinephrine alone.
This is why Dr. Oz said raspberry ketones cause fat cells to shrink.
I'm telling you this because various websites claim that raspberry ketones increase levels of norepinephrine. However, this study did not show that.
Rather, the researches only showed that raspberry ketones appeared to improve the fat-burning ability of norepinephrine.
This is actually a good thing because too much norepinephrine can be bad. For example norepinephrine can raise blood pressure.
Oddly, this study noted that while a 1% intake of raspberry ketones tended to raise triglyceride levels in the mice, eating it at a concentration of 5% of total calories tended to reduce triglycerides.
These researchers also quoted previous studies noting that raspberry ketones raised metabolic rates—in rats. That's interesting, but where's the proof that raspberry ketones raise metabolism in people?
Bottom Line: This was just a mouse study —and a small study at that! Each group only had 6 mice.
Also, if we really want to be technical, all the mice were male. What about female mice? Would raspberry ketones have the same weight loss effects in female mice —or more importantly —women?
In another study, published in 2010, researchers found that red raspberry ketones inhibited weight gain and improved fat burning in mice that were fed a high-fat diet. Researchers also noted that raspberry ketones increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone made in fat cells.
The Wikipedia page on adiponectin goes into more detail, discussing how the hormone does a variety of things including improving the sensitivity of insulin— (good for diabetics).
Dr. Oz said that Adiponectin was the “hormone that tricks the body into thinking it's thin.”When we put on weight, we reduce the ability of the adiponectin hormone to work.”
Sounds good, but red raspberries have only been shown to reduce adiponectin in mice. What about people? Have raspberry ketone supplements been proven to help people lose weight by raising adiponectin levels? Nope. Not yet.
Tip. There is more evidence that exercise raises adiponectin levels than for raspberry ketones —and exercise has been shown to work in people!
One study from 2013 appeared to show that a supplement – containing raspberry ketones – helped weight loss. But there were several ingredients in that supplement. Also, of the 70 people who originally signed up, only 45 people made it to the end. That's a big drop amount.
There is a study published in 2017 that noted, that raspberry ketones might reduce food intake in mice who were fed a high-fat diet. Again, this is a mouse study.
So, what's the evidence for raspberry ketones and weight loss? It looks like some mouse studies. What about people?
Are Raspberry Ketones Better With Capsaicin?
Capsaicin is found in chili peppers and synephrine is an extract from oranges. Both have been used in weight loss products in the past. Because raspberry ketones “look” like both capsicum and synephrine, I predict that you will see weight loss products that have all three of these ingredients.
But, would they all work better together? I don't know because there is no proof either way. Because of that, I recommend you save your money on weight loss pills that combine (“stack”) capsaicin, synephrine, and raspberry ketones.
Synephrine, in particular, is not without problems. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure which can make it dangerous for a lot of people.
Who Is Lisa Lynn?
Dr. Oz called Lisa Lynn a “fitness expert” on his TV show when he did a segment on this supplement— but who is she? I checked into her background and found her website (LynFit.com) that notes that Lisa Lynn was the personal trainer of Martha Stewart.
Her website does indicate that Lisa holds multiple personal training certifications.
All this is fine but on her website, we see Lisa Lynn also has her own line of supplements (called “Lyn Fit”) She even has a 
raspberry ketone supplement on her website.
In a previous segment of the Dr. Oz show, Lisa Lynn also extolled the virtues of the metabolism booster/weight loss supplement, Coleus Forskohlii. Lisa has this supplement on her website also.
See the review on Coleus Forskohlii for more information.
Look, I'm sure she's a nice person and a great personal trainer —and I am all for capitalism – but where is all the raspberry ketone research? As far as I see, it's just some mouse studies.
How Much Raspberry Ketones Do You Need?
If raspberry ketones help people lose weight, how much works? Nobody knows because there are no human studies of raspberry ketones and weight loss. If we believe the mouse studies (which I don't), it appears that a concentration of 1% of total calorie intake might help weight loss. If that is correct, then the number of raspberry ketones needed would be different for different calorie intakes.
For example, a person who consumes 1800 calories per day would need less than a person who eats 2000 calories per day.
When asked “how much works” on the Dr. Oz Show, Lisa Lynn said to take 100 mg at breakfast— and if that didn't help, to go to 200 mg. Where did she get these numbers from? She doesn't tell us.
I guessing that this might be the human dose, extrapolated from what researchers gave the lab mice? But, I see no good proof that 100-200 mg of raspberry ketones per day helps people lose weight. It might—but I just don't know.
In this toxicology report on raspberry ketones, the authors mention a dosage of 100-1400 mg per day is often mentioned on the internet. That is a pretty big range, which again, says to me, nobody has any idea.
Raspberry Ketones And Appetite
Various websites make the claim that supplements can reduce appetite. But I see no proof of this. Even the mouse studies, do not state that raspberry ketone supplements suppress appetite.
Anti-Aging Effects Of Raspberry Ketones
Can raspberry ketone supplements slow down the aging process? Do they reduce wrinkles? Well, red raspberry ketones do have some antioxidant effects but it's a long shot to go from that to say that they are “anti-aging.”
Raspberry ketones may be found in some cosmetics because they seem to have a skin whitening effect —at least in skins of mice. That's fine, but I recommend you save your money on raspberry ketone anti-aging supplements. They are not an “anti-aging superfood.”
For those who really want a “superfood,” eat raspberries! Here's why: antioxidants work best in small amounts and when they are eaten in combination with the other ingredients in food. Because of this fact, raspberries are better than raspberry ketone supplements when it comes to being healthy.
Raspberry Ketone Side Effects
In healthy people, raspberry ketones are probably safe. That said, those who are not healthy or take medications should speak to their doctor/pharmacist first. Here are a few things to consider when taking this supplement. This list is not complete.
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Pregnant or nursing women should also speak to their doctor
- Stop taking the product at least 2 weeks before having surgery
There are only trace amounts of raspberry ketones in raspberries so they are no the same thing as supplements. This toxicology report states that there is only 4.3 mg per 2.2 pounds of raspberries. Just because raspberries are safe does not mean concentrated supplements of raspberry ketones are also safe.
One of the mouse studies summarized above noted that raspberry ketones raised triglyceride levels. Does this mean they also raise triglycerides and cholesterol levels in people?
Since raspberry ketones appear to have some chemical similarity to synephrine, be careful if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions. Synephrine might raise blood pressure and heart rate.
A report from Denmark publishedhas raised some concerns that the supplement may have toxic potential but there is little human evidence for this.
Some have speculated that these supplements may be inappropriate for those with cancers that are sensitive to estrogen levels. This is based on a concern that raspberry ketones may have estrogen-like properties. Cancers that might be affected by this include breast cancer, fibroids of the uterus, endometrium cancer, and uterine cancer.
In the book Herbs of Choice raspberry leaf is said to help with pregnancy issues such as morning sickness and labor pains. The book also notes (p. 140) that raspberry appears to promote contraction of the uterus. That would not be good for pregnant women. Would the same be true for raspberry ketone supplements? I don't know.
Do these supplements raise blood pressure? I do not know, but if the leaf of raspberries cause the muscles of the uterus to contract, what effect would they have on the muscles of the blood vessels? Would they also contract (and raise blood pressure) or would they relax (and decrease blood pressure)? I don't know.
Remember, some raspberry ketone supplements may contain more than just raspberry ketones. Always check the labels to see what other ingredients a supplement may contain.
See What Weight Loss Supplements Work for a list of things I feel have evidence
Do Raspberry Ketones Work?
The research on raspberry ketones for weight loss is in its infancy. As such, I just don't know if this supplement helps people lose weight or not. The majority of research is a lab rat and lab mice research. Raspberry ketones may benefit in mice but what about humans? I'd like to see a real-life study of of 100 people followed for at least 6 months under real-life (not laboratory) conditions to judge its weight loss power.
If you are still thinking about trying raspberry ketones to help you lose weight, I suggest you go to your doctor and get your blood work done first —cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, liver enzymes, the works—and then get it done again in a couple of months to see if anything has changed.
There are a LOT of websites that sell raspberry ketones. If you read the comments here, you'll see how some people talk about how their credit card was charged more than once after they purchased a product. Know who you deal with. Make sure the raspberry ketone websites you deal with have a contact phone number with customer support people who can help you have questions.
If they are going to work, keep in mind that it might take 6 months before raspberry ketones help you lose weight. Oh, and if you watched the Dr. Oz show, you also heard that you still have to exercise and watch what you eat too. So, you have to eat right and exercise as well as take raspberry ketones. That sounds less like “a miracle in a bottle to burn fat” and more like common sense.
I’ve been taking these for just under six weeks now. Definitely noticed a difference. Again I’d echo what the above person said – it works but if you’re eating well and exercising frequently. If you’re eating junk and are a bit of a couch potato, the chances of you noticing the loss of any significant amount of weight is pretty slim. Pun not intended 😉
Can this product be taken if I am taking Effexor for depression
Linda, Im not aware of any interaction but I would ask your pharmacist/doctor about this before trying it just to be on the safe side.
Hi, I bought these a months supply and they worked great. I think some people take them and keep there normal diets and not change anything. They work along with diet and exercise. I lost 16lbs in month back down to 8 half stone. Before without ketones I lost 11lbs in month . 5lbs is big difference to me. Id deffo buy again. I purchased mine therapie clinic, ireland
Thats interesting feedback, the first real positive one I have heard recently, thanks for that, will keep posing my progress, I’m keeping my calorie intake down and exercising more than i normally do, looks like there is some hope yet. thanks
Adrian, thanks. Continued success!
Hi Joe and Hannah, this is a really interesting debate on RK, I have a 30 day supply and intend to continue posting my progress or lack of it, I usually see the positive in most things, hopefully I can conclude at the end of the month with just that ??
Adrian, I will keep my fingers crossed 🙂
Hi Joe
Good to see that others are showing an interest, i contacted a UK company called slimming solutions.co.uk by email as they have a raspberry keytones product with reviews that claim losing weight, and suppressing appetite. They replied to me to say that they are not a spam company ( i did not say they were? ) and that they were a reputable UK company, any further questions to ask and gave me their direct number.
I have been taking the pills and applying the patches for 3 days now, experienced some purging, burning sensation around the stomach where i have patch, certainly appetite suppressed, although I am eating regular meals, I dont have hunger pangs or look for food, maybe 1lb weight loss, I will report again in 5 days. Adrian
Adrian thanks for the update. Id also call channel 4 in the UK.
Hi Joe, I have sent an email to Channel 4 UK to make them aware of this report asking them to investigate and feedback. i will let you know when I have heard something back.
Adrian
Sounds good Adrian, I’ll be interested in what happens.
Hi Joe,
Here is the response from channel 4 which I recieved today.Dear Adrian,
Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries.
Unfortunately, this is not a Channel 4 issue as it is not endorsed by Channel 4 and does not appear on our website. Julia Miller is not, nor has she ever been a Channel 4 employee. If you feel you have cause for complaint you will need to contact the Trading Standards Board.
Kind regards,
Alex Chase
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
For information about Channel 4 have a look at our FAQ section at http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/faq
Adrian, thanks I know a lot of people will really benefit from what you posted here 🙂
Thanks Joe, I hope it does, I also had a reply from my supplier of RK today as I contacted them a second time to make sure they don’t try and take any money from my account, there reply is as follows.
Dear Customer,
Thanks for your email. We assure you that we have cancelled your subscription to the Keytone Premium and Cleanse Premium auto ship programs, as per your acceptance to the 50% offer to keep the trial products, therefore you will not be sent any more Keytone Premium or Cleanse Premium or charged for any additional products in the future.
If you require further assistance, please respond to this email, ensuring the ticket number is left in the subject line.
Many thanks,
Keytone Premium Customer Service Team
Adrian, very good. Its best to hold on to that email, just in case. Always good to have a record.
Hi I fell for the channel 4 review ive sent them an email asking if it was real and if not could they perhaps report it so people wont keep falling for the scam. I also phoned my bank and explained about the scam and they have cancelled my card so no payments can be made. Will try the ones I have just to see if it works.
Hi Guys, i too responded to the channel 4 ad which prompted me to order ketones and the cleanse. I ended being charged and in great difficulty trying to cancel my subscription to avoid future charges and more deliveries of the product.
I have taken it for a week although not consistently, I must say it made me purge frequently , so much i was home-bound a few days and my stomach area has shrunk but no lbs off on the scales?? I will continue to try and see what happens.
I hope somebody in the UK has called Channel 4 to let them know what is going on. Channel 4 can do a segment on the news to tell the public about this scam.
Hi Joe
I thought anyone who has or are about to order RK from the channel 4 provider and wishes to cancel any future orders might like the email address to the RK suppliers support service.
i sent an email to them and received a confirmation that all subscriptions were cancelled, the email address is:
Customer Support
Adrian
Adrian, thanks. there wasn’t an email address in your comment.
I bought these and have been using for about two weeks, although not religiously – I have found that a few lbs have dropped off but I suspect it’s more water retention. My diet is awful and consists of cereal, choc & cake during the day and a evening meal, however, I am fairly lucky aa my weight is average for height. But bk to tablets it’s a complete scam, I cancelled mine after free trial and I still have to pay over £80 for remaining tablets, they do stipulate in the reply email that no where on the website says it is a free product.
Dear Joe, Sorry to be back on Holly’s situation again, but I saw my chiropractor earlier today, and he mentioned that his wife has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. She had just had the usual TSH done, which was normal. He insisted on further testing, and the diagnosis was made.
Besides whatever else she is on, he put her on a gluten and dairy-free diet; she is doing well. What Holly said about fluctuating TSH tests also occurs with Hashimoto’s thyroid diseases. Because I also have an auto-immune disease, he told me I would be put on a gluten/dairy- free diet if i continued with his nutritional program-two of my most favorite food groups!
Anyway, I will stop writing about Holly and myself, but I feel badly for her if she is not getting correct diagnoses and treatments. Have you also heard of glutens and dairy products being associated with auto-immune diseases. Oh, YES! Hashimoto’s and celiac diseases can be associated with each other! Now I will STOP bugging you and Holly!
Roseann, your not bugging me at all and Im sure Holly appreciates your concern. I have heard that milk might trigger autoimmune problems and Id guess its possible gluten might also. I suspect neither of these does this all the time or we would all have autoimmune problems. If it does cause these problems it might be a sub set of the population. It might also vary according to when gluten or milk were consumed during the maturation process. I’m not an expert on this and I know its a passionate topic on both sides of the isle. It does appear that there is more autoimmune problems now than in the past and I know there is more thyroid problems on the east coast of the US relative to other parts of the country. what is causing that, I don’t know either.
keep me posted on how the gluten free / dairy free diet does for your daughters thyroid issues. Im very curious.
Hi, it’s me again haha was just reading Roseann’s post and I really do appreciate the concern! I have battled constantly with doctors to get answers… One thing we know to be true and everyone should pay attention.. Listen to your body! YOU know when something is wrong, and never give up trying to find an answer.
If I had given up, my tumor would never had been found, I never would have found out I had Celiac disease.. Not to mention the whole thyroid probs! If one dr doesn’t listen, find another one who does. We DO have a choice! Since I have been gluten free (Jan) I have noticed a huge change in how I feel… More energetic and longer stamina..
So I think it has had a lot to do in relation to my thyroid! I am due for another thyroid test and we will see if it has leveled out yet. I have been considering getting rid of milk products as well just to test and see! I never would have imagined i would get so sick from gluten products.. i have some now and i throw up within half an hour..
I will talk to the dr about doing a more in depth look at my thyroid or even referring me to a specialist.. Just so I can get a better understanding of what’s going on with my thyroid. Thanks to both of u for ur care!
Dear Joe (and Holly),
Joe, it’s me who has to go gluten and dairy free because of my auto-immune problems. My only daughter is a dog, who I love like a daughter! Holly mentioning how much better she feels helps me make this diet change with a better attitude! Holly is right about doctors- find a good one who will listen, because we DO know our body better than anyone. And with research like Joe’s available, we have something to back up our firm requests. MDs on the whole get almost NO nutritional training. And it turns out that what we eat makes a huge difference in our health.
Roseann
Roseann, thanks for clearing that up (oops one me!) I love dogs too 🙂
My niece has been having problems for 4 years or so and lots of tests but none of the Dr’s could ever really figure out what the problem really is. I think they are getting close with Hashimoto’s disease but they’re still checking because they also think it is mixed with grave’s disease and her body (thyroid -lows and highs) are fighting each other (another named disease that I can’t think of right now).
I suppose it’s just “process of elimination” But really interested in all the posts. Thank you for all the research!
Lesa, I hope they find an answer to your nieces issues soon!
Hi all
Can’t believe I didn’t do more research into rk before being sucked into buying it!! Guess we are all looking for that ‘quick fix’
Just took my first tablet and a little while later felt nauseous, after reading all the posts know why…I’m off to cancel any more orders. Thank goodness for your review Joe!!!
Anonymous, your quite welcome and I hope you feel better soon 🙂
Hi Joe,
I just wanted to add to your correspondence with Adrian.
I too came across an article stating the wonders of Raspberry Ketones and found an article supposedly written by a channel 4 employee. I thought it was a legitimate article until i found another website with almost the exact same article, but this time supposedly written by an employee of ‘Lifestyle knowledge’. Both articles are almost word for word alike, so i am in no doubt that this is a bogus product and the articles i keep finding relating to this product have been written by the same company.
Please find the links to these two websites below to compare 🙂
thehealthandwellness.com/myjourneygym/geo/uk/1/index.php?t202id=22336&t202kw=wl-weight%20loss%20plans
ketonepremium.net
Thanks,
Hannah
I want to thank you for the review. I am about to start on these with the support of my G.P. I have chronic kidney disease stage 3 controlled by blood pressure and cholesterol meds. Before the kidney diagnosis my BP was low. I have also psoriasis with associated arthritis. It will be interesting to see what happens to my BP. Will keep you posted.
Christine
Christine, you are very welcome. I hope it helps you.
Hi Christine Im about to start on my RK tommorow morning kets keep n touch on progress.
Adrian
Quick update, along with the tablets my only change is 20mins swimming weekly. So far my weight has dropped by 6lbs. Yipee. However my BP is unchanged, my psoriasis has improved slightly, and kidney function remains stable.
thanks for the update Christine 🙂
this ketone is a scam. i don’t no how they are getting away with what they are doing. they have been taking money from my bank i dont how they got my account details. this is a warning to all people out there don’t go near this company
Which company?
Thanks for this really intersting article.
I got sucked into a ‘quick fix’ weight lost regime of Raspberry Ketone after some post holiday excesses.
After 3 weeks (of exercising and eating healthy (95% of the time), very minimal changes – which are no different had i not been taking the supplements.
I also noticed the previous writers notes re nausea. As i often got this on the way to the gym in the mornings. I found if i took them on an empty stomach this was more evident.
Back to the old classic of more exercise and watch what you eat for me I think.
Hi Joe , i have just ordered some RK a special deal for
£2.45 for a months supply plus a detox product. i just want to lose a stubborn 7lbs then i will be happy. i will post on here if effects or results. Thanks for the research into the subject,there also does not seem to be any clincal research, however there is a lot of extracts from people who claim amazing results, one including a Channel4 TV presenter. who had to stop after her free months trial as she was losing a lot of weight?
I remain sceptical, but have to try the theory and practice of taking them to identify to outcome for me, which of course maybe different for others?
Pete, that channel 4 person who lost so much weight – was that a TV show or a website you saw about this? Recently Ive seen websites pop up that look like they are TV station websites (like Fox news) but they really bogus sites, created by people who sell supplements. The reporters dont even exist. I believe Ive seen similar claims by “reporters” on these sites who claim to have lost weight. Just wanted to pass that along to you just in case.
If you read the comments you’ll see people in Great Britain etc. who order raspberry ketone supplements and run into trouble with auto charges to their credit cards. Be careful.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your speedy response, yes Im from Bristol in the UK,it is a presenter from our Channel 4 TV, if I can find some more detail I will let you know. I have just had confirmation that my RK and Cleanse Premium Trial.
It does state that 10 days from the order being made you should stop any further orders, for risk of recharge as you point out, as soon as I receive the order possibly tomorrow I will put a stop, try it for a few weeks and see?
I will let you know the outcome.
Adrian
Thanks Andrian I do hope it helps you. Curious what is the name of the channel 4 reporter who said raspberry ketones helped her lose weight. I tried to find her but couldn’t locate her name.
Hi Joe, I am really interested in your view points and knowledge. Susan Jeffers is the name give, ( I am sceptical ) however what does confuse me,is of the numerous conflicting blogs on the subject, many with face pics and location in both the US and UK, many stating fantastic results. I have sent an email today to stop any further orders, and received a confirmation, just in case …
I am going to give the pills a run for the money, I would naturally like to think they may have some influence, however I am realistic and remain open minded, often something that seems to good to be true often is not ??
By the way its very cold in the UK at the moment -8 etc and bitterly cold north easterly winds, maybe this weather will be enough for me to lose that 7lbs, as I’m not eating any more. !!!!!!!!!!!
Adrian, quick question: have you ever seen Susan Jeffers on TV reporting for channel 4? I’m going to look into her to see if she is a real reporter. Is there a website for the the TV station shes supposed to work at?
Its just starting to warm up here over here, on my end of the web – thank goodness !
Joe,
Here is the TV channel link ttp://www.channel4.com. Will be interesting if you do find anything.
Aside Joe, is there any evidence that drinking half a squeezed lemon dluted in water each day acts as a good detox,and weight loss.
Adrian
Adrian, Ive been looking but it looks like Susan Jeffers was a self help writer who passed in 2012 at the age of 72. I cant find any official connection to channel 4 news on the channel 4 website. when I googled “Susan Jeffers channel 4 news” all I saw was where channel 4 news mentioned a self help book she wrote.
When I looked a little further I found a website called “UK Health Alert” which mentions a “Susan Jeffers” several times regarding raspberry ketones and other weight loss products. The picture of “Susan Jeffers” howeveris not the same as the author, Susan Jeffers, who died in 2012. The UK Health Alert website is carefully crafted to sell weight loss supplements, like Raspberry Ketones. the site is full of Raspberry Ketone affiliate links so they make money when those links are clicked and somebody buys the product. I’m guessing this may be the website you may have first heard of Susan Jeffers and raspberry ketones.
The stories on the UK health alert site are not real. They say this at the bottom of the page where they have these words
“The story depicted on this site and the person depicted in the story are not real.”
I hope some of this helps Adrian.
Hi pete I am not over weight but no matter what I did i could not get rid the little belly I had left having my 2 kids 8 years ago. I heard about the RK and took 200 mg a day with food, I changed nothing in my diet and exercise. I do not eat extremely healthy but not horrible and jog about 1 mile no more than 2 times a week. I had only lost about 5 lbs but the little fatty belly I had fattened out in about 2 months. I am not saying it works but my brother had just about the exact same results. (Walmart also sells them for about $5, I hear all these people buying them for over $10. That was really the only reason I even tried it cuz if it didn’t work big deal I wasn’t out that much money.)
I tried them as well. I have struggled with my weight for a long time and my grandmother recommended it after seeing it on dr oz… Well let me tell u, I got so sick!! Every time I took the pill, within half an hour I became super nauseous and had to lay down! I didn’t make the connection to the pill for a couple wks bcuz I was also taking some other vitamins for a deficiency..
But I figured it out after I took one and then jogged on my treadmill and by the time I was finished I was bedridden from dizziness and nausea.. I took a product called “raspberry thin”… My grandma, when I told her my reaction, said “no, no! That’s the wrong one. Take nature’s harmony raspberry k-toned.” Well u can imagine my hesitation! But I tried it for her and I gained 4 lbs in one week! Forget it!!
It takes everything I have to lose a single lb so gaining is a huge let down! No thanks!!
Holly, did you ever get your thyroid hormone level checked? Just a thought since you said its so hard to lose even a single pound. Low thyroid hormone could be the reason. A simile blood test by your doctor will tell you if you are or not.
Yes I do have low thyroid actually. I also had a pituitary tumor, celiac, AND low magnesium! I am almost thinking my body WANTS to be overweight haha! I’m on meds for thyroid, tumor is under control (benign), taking supplements for magnesium and off gluten!
Holly talk to your doctor about this then. maybe even with the synthroid you are taking, you are still have “sub clinical” thyroid issues? Im not a doctor but its just a thought I had.
It may be little solace but research does show that overweight people who exercise are healthier than “skinny” people who don’t exercise.
I will do that! It sure is frustrating! Thank u! 🙂
Make sure you are NOT taking your magnesium supplement anywhere near the time you take your thyroid medicine! Almost anything you can eat or drink will interfere with the absorption of thyroid medicines. Magnesium, calcium, and iron are the worst.
Doctors and pharmacists should tell you to take thyroid on an empty stomach, with nothing but water for at least 1 to 2 hours, 3 hours before any of the elements I just mentioned. Based on my experience as an internal medicine doctor, about half of hypothyroid patients are never told this. Nearly all medicines and supplements contain calcium and/or magnesium compounds to hold the pill together or act as an “inert” diluent. So don’t take you thyroid medicine with any other medicine, vitamin or supplement.
Also, good control of hypothyroidism means a TSH of 1.0 to 2.0 (some guidelines say 1.5.) The “normal range” listed on lab reports goes up to above 4 or 5, depending on the lab. Many physicians make the mistake of thinking this “normal” range means good control, but it absolutely does not.
A TSH below 1 puts you at danger of calcium loss from your bones. A TSH over 1.5 to 2 means your thyroid level is low enough to possibly cause symptoms. (TSH is a pituitary hormone that goes up when thyroid hormone is low. TSH is not a direct measurement of thyroid hormone levels, but it gives and indication of your average thyroid hormone levels over about 2 months.)
However, you mention a pituitary tumor. A pituitary tumor can give a high TSH with a normal or high thyroid hormone level, or less often a nearly absent TSH regardless of thyroid hormone level. Your first thyroid blood tests should have included both TSH and free T4, possibly also free T3.
Also on the subject of low magnesium, most magnesium supplements contain magnesium oxide which cannot be absorbed well if you are taking a heartburn medicine. Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec (omeprazole) may cause magnesium deficiency by preventing absorption of magnesium from food. The same is true with calcium carbonate as a calcium supplement.
The problem with magnesium and heartburn medicines can be cheaply overcome by taking 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved in water once or twice a day. (It’s almost tasteless.) But NOT with your thyroid medicine. For calcium and a heartburn medicine, calcium citrate is the most readily available option, though it is more expensive than calcium carbonate.
Several other medicines can cause magnesium deficiency by other mechanisms. Low magnesium can cause low potassium. Body potassium and magnesium and calcium levels can be low even with normal blood levels, because blood levels are strictly controlled by the kidneys, and most of the potassium, magnesium and calcium in the body are not in the blood stream.
The things I have said above are not “my opinion.” You can find this information online from medical society guidelines. Reliable information tends to be written in “doctor talk”, but a reasonably intelligent person can usually understand the basic facts, if not the explanations.
Holly, a doctor also told me that the test most doctors order for thyroid checks are the TSH level, thyroid-stimulating hormone. I’m sure since you have a thyroid issue, your doctor has also checked your T3, T4 and anti-thyroid hormone tests. But if not, ask him/ her to check more than just TSH. This is for anyone who thinks they may have a thyroid condition, but their TSH levels are normal. Ask for more testing after doing a little research.
My TSH is constantly fluctuating. I started meds 2 yrs ago and can’t seem to get balanced.. The 1st time I was tested it was “within normal range” .. I went to another dr and it was low.. She started me on meds and since then I have been monitored but each time it constantly changes. I can drop down to really low and then back up to really high in one week!
But sadly it doesn’t seems to want to level out and I never lose weight either. I have been the same weight for 5 yrs no matter what I do. I have been on a strict low calorie diet made by a dietician to no avail. I run on my treadmill 3x a week and do weights once or twice a week if I have time. I’m constantly on the go!
The celiac and magnesium issue was just discovered in Jan so we’re hoping that will make a difference. I have lost 5 lbs since but I usually fluctuate between a loss and gain of 10 lbs a month.. I know that sounds like retaining water which I was, due to the magnesium deficiency (electrolyte imbalance).. I could not drink more than 1 litre of water a day without getting a severe migraine, I was in fact killing myself each time drinking extra water by overdose!
Some suggested it was just my body cleansing itself and that was causing the migraines, but after 3 wks I ended up in bed for the entire day from pain and sickness.
Holly, wow Im so sorry that you are going through all of that. I can imagine how frustrated you are. Yes be careful about all the water. we can drink too much. its rare but it can happen. I dont think the migranes are due to your body “cleansing” itself. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you.
Dear Joe and Holly, I don’t know much about celiac disease, except for the fact that it is an auto-immune disease and glutens are a big triggering mechanism. However, celiac disease is also associated with auto-immune thyroid disease, so please consider going to a specialist who will do a complete work-up on your thyroid, including antibodies against your own thyroid gland.
As I mentioned before, a TSH is just a general test that doesn’t tell the whole story at all. If you haven’t, you really need to see an endocrinologist and maybe an immunologist. Endocrinologist, for sure! You have way too much going on to just see a primary care doctor.
I have an auto-Immune disease, but it isn’t as complicated as yours. I hope you find a good doctor who you can go to consistently and who gets to know you well. Roseann
Hello Holly. I had thesame priblem..only one diet what eorks fir me- low carbs diet..
I’ve encountered a lot of patients with badly controlled thyroid.Here are some common reasons.
If you have been taking your thyroid supplement with food or other medicines, you will not be able to get your TSH to level out because you are effectively taking a different dose depending on whatever else was in your stomach when you took it. In classical hypothyroidism (caused by autoimmune destruction of the gland) TSH (and needed thyroid dose) will continue to increase for a while until the gland is completely destroyed.
Thyroid dose can be estimated as 0.7 times your body weight in pounds, though this estimate will be high if you are obese. When you get close to good control, small dose changes can have a large effect on TSH. Over correction is a common cause of fluctuating TSH. Also, you cannot recheck TSH sooner than 6 to 8 after changing dose or you will get a false indication of the effect of the change in dose.
Less common, but significant is the possibility of a misdiagnosis because of only using TSH. As i mentioned, TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone, so it can be off for reasons not related to thyroid, including pituitary problems and errors in measurement due to medicines you are taking..
Definitely. TSH is NOT a thyroid hormone. TSH is very convenient for screening for thyroid disease and managing treatment after a diagnosis of thyroid disease, but it is absolutely irresponsible to make the diagnosis of thyroid disease without doing at least some of the tests Roseann mentioned.
If your doctor did not do any other tests besides TSH before starting treatment, you need to find another doctor. A good internal medicine doctor should know how to diagnose and treat thyroid, but you might need to go to an endocrinologist.
i have tried raspberry ketones and finished one bottle and had absolutely no effect. So dont waste your time and money on it!
My name is Angelica. I to have been taking Raspverry Keytones for 3 weeks now and have seen NO RESULTS!
Again, thank you for your in-depth research. I, too, am an RN (wow! All of us RNs, trying to lose weight!), but I’m disabled. I have cervical and lumbar-sacral disc disease and other things, and therefore my ability to exercise is below LOW! But I DID try the RK, and I noticed that my BP (I have hypertension and am on 3 meds for it) did go up when I took the RK.
This was before I became a fan of your website. I went to our health food store, and the person I talked to said RK has increased BP in hypertensives (not a controlled research study-ha!). Anyway, Dr. Oz, whose show I have never watched, seems to be promoting A LOT of products that are flying off the shelves, without any true research being behind his recommendations. My opinion. Thank you.
Roseann, thanks for writing. how nice the health food store person mentioned raspberry ketones and blood pressure after you asked about it…. ugh.
thanks for doing the reasearch, I always try to research certain matters and weight loss in a pill is one of them. I dont care for Dr. Oz, i think he has shown himself to be irresponsible to the public. thanks again for the research.
Bonnie, glad to help and I appreciate you taking the time to write.
I plan to try this along with…yes Green Coffee Bean! lol ..my green coffee bean supplement is in the mail and I plan on ordering the raspberry ketones as well because tonight when I told my nurse supervisor (the yes I’m a nurse also) about my green coffee bean in the mail she mentioned the RKs. So heck, why not 🙂 I’m not diabetic but I am 40lbs overweight..fingers crossed ;)..I hope this works.
Thanks for your continuous efforts to investigate the truth behind so called “miracle” products. I got “caught up” in the excitement after seeing the Dr. Oz segment and decided to give raspberry ketones a try. I am a Registered Nurse, so I should have researched first, but if DR.OZ says it….anyway, I wanted to report something that I noticed since starting taking the Raspberry Ketones.
I am an insulin dependent diabetic and have had a very substantial drop in my blood glucose levels! My fasting blood sugar levels are 60-70 points lower than before taking the RK’s and my AIC is almost at a controlled diabetic level. I have not changed anything other than the addition of the RK’s.
My doctor has decreased my Levermir (a once daily insulin taken each night) by 20 units. I have to add that I have not lost or gained any weight however! Anyway, I just wanted to add this to the comments. I cannot explain the changes in the blood sugars any other way.
Lisa, you are very welcome and thank you for sharing your experiences. I think you may be the first person I’ve heard of who said raspberry ketones lowered blood sugar levels. Appreciate you taking the time to write 🙂