Relacore Review: Does It Reduce Cortisol or Belly Fat? Review Of Research

Cant Get Rid Of Belly Bulge? Those words jump out when you go to the website of Relacore, claimed to be “Americas #1 Selling Belly Fat Pill.” It's claimed Relacore can “reduce stubborn stress-related belly fat.” Very impressive claims. So, does Relacore work? In this review, let's look at the ingrednts and research on Relacore and its ingredients. This review is on Relacore Extra, also called Maximum Strength. I'll also compare it to Relacore Ultimate Fat Burner troo. This review was created to help you cut through the hype and see if this supplement is right for you.

 

What Is Relacore?

Relacore is a weight loss product but but it's said to work differently than other supplements you've heard of. For example, they claim it will work specificlaly on belly fat. It's also stated on Relacore.com, the supplement is “designed to calm your stress, which reduces cortisol.” Research does indicate stress and elevated cortisol levels are linked to abdominal fat (belly fat).

So, in theory, if we could reduce cortisol, this might reduce belly fat. So, how does Relacore do this? As we will see below, the ingredients in the product are suppoosed to not only block cortisol but also ease stress and maybe alleviate depression.

Here's a video of the TV commercial which drives this message home:

Since cortisol goes up in times of stress and since cortisol can cause weigh gain and increase appetite, blocking cortisol may lead to weight loss – and maybe less bellly fat.

This is somewhat similar to another weight loss supplement called Relora.

Relacore Extra Ingredients

3 tablets of Relacore Extra contain the following ingredients

	% DV
Vitamin C 1000mg	1111%
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 15 mg	1250%
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 15mg	1154%
Niacin  50mg	331%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 10 mg	558%
Folate  400 mcg	167%
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 10 mcg	417%
Biotin  150 mcg	500%
Pantothenic acid  23 mg	460%
Calcium  33mg	3%
Magnesium  100mg	24%
Zinc  10mg	91%
Proprietary Blend    240 mg  Blend of:	N/A
Passionflower  (aerial parts) powder
Magnolia  (bark) powder
Chinese skullcap extract (root)
Asian Ginseng (root) extract
Poria extract (sclerotium)
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) (fruit) Extract
Perilla extract (leaf)
Phosphatidylserine

Note. These ingredients reflect what now appears on Relacore.com. Some of the ingredients have been increased while decreased from when this review was created.

Relacore Extra Other Ingredients

The Supplement Facts label also tells us these other ingredients are present also:

1. Microcrystalline cellulose
2. silica
3. stearic acid
4. croscarmellose sodium
5. polyvinyl alcohol
6. talc
7. polyethylene glycol
8. mica/titanium dioxide
9. polysorbate 80
10. FD&C Blue 1 Lake
11. FD&C Yellow 5 Lake
12. FD&C Red 40 Lake

These other ingredients make up the tablets and help the main ingredients mix well together. They don't play any roles in the benefits of Relacore Extra.

Relacore Extra Research

Clinical research on this supplement cannot be located. Neither the supplement's main website nor searching clinical databases reveal any studies on this product.  This does not mean Relacore doesn't work. Rather, it means we need to look at its ingredients.

Let's do that next.

Relacore Extra Ingredients

I'm not convinced most people are lacking the vitamins in this supplement. Could some be “sub-clinical” deficient? Anything is possible but I doubt it.  One vitamin however is worth mentioning  -vitamin C.

Vitamin C

3 tablets of this supplement provide 1000 mg of vitamin C. Researchers in South Africa noticed a temporary drop cortisol levels in marathon runners who supplemented with 1500 mg of vitamin C for a week before they ran their race.

This cortisol lowering effect has also been seen in healthy people placed in stressful situations. In this investigation, 3000 mg of vitamin C was given to people 2 weeks before their stress event (public speaking) took place.

Vitamin C is often said to be a “stress vitamin.”  Stress is said to deplete vitamin C levels.  Since cortisol is a stress hormone, does this mean taking vitamin C can reduce cortisol levels?  It’s an interesting idea but it doesn't seem to work.  So far, research –what little is out there – finds vitamin C does not lower cortisol levels.

Relacore Extra Proprietary Blend

The proprietary blend used to be called “Relacortin” but this name seems to no longer be used.  Three tablets of this supplement provide 240 mg of the proprietary blend.

While they do not tell us the actual amounts in the blend, we know the first ingredient (passion flower) makes up the most while the last ingredient in the blend (Phosphatidylserine)  makes up the least.

Lets look at the ingredients in the blend.

 

Passion Flower

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) has several lines of evidence touting its effects to reduce anxiety issues. Because passionflower is the first ingredient listed in the proprietary blend, I believe it is one of the key ingredients in Relacore. One thing to know about passion flower is it does not work instantly. It appears to take 1-2 months before it takes effect.

 

Magnolia

The extract of magnolia (Magnolia biondii) used in the supplement comes from the bark of the tree. That's good because the bark seems to be where many of the active ingredients are located. Some research has shown a combination of magnolia and phellodendron amurense are effective for weight loss. Here's a quick summary of those studies

1. Researchers in 2006 conducted a study that showed women who took 750 mg of the magnolia / Phellodendron combination for 6 weeks lost weight.
2. Researchers have also shown less cortisol and better mental outlook when they gave Magnolia and Phellodendron to women and men for 4 weeks.

It's worthwhile to note both these studies used a supplement called Relora. Both studies were also supported by the company which makes Relora too.

Here is a video when Relora was featured on the Dr. Oz Show. Relora is mentioned 11 minutes into this video:

See the Relora review for much more information.

Chinese Skullcap

The scientific name for this herb is Scutellaria baicalensis. Like magnolia and passionflower, Chinese skullcap may also have some anti-anxiety effects.  Because of the lack of human weight loss/anxiety studies, I'd like to see more research.

I also saw one of Jillian Michaels's weight loss supplements containing Chinese skullcap too so check that review for more information.

 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another name for the vitamin, niacin. The effects of niacinamide on belly fat and cortisol levels needs more research. Niacinamide is sometimes used to help arthritis. Since overweight people may have arthritis, is it possible this is the reason Relacore contains this ingredient?

In other words, people who are in less pain may be able to do more stuff – and feel better as a result of their greater mobility? Obviously, I‘m speculating but this makes some sense to me.

Niacinamide has become a very popular anti-aging supplement. In supplements, it's referred to as Niagen and Niacel. For more insights see these reviews:

1. Niagen Review
2. Elysium Basis Review
3. My Niagen experiment
4. Reasons I'm skeptical of Niagen

Asian Ginseng

This is also called panax ginseng. I can’t find any good proof Asian ginseng helps reduce belly fat. As for lowering cortisol levels, one study showed it did not work.

Poria

Poria refers to poria mushrooms.  It's scientific name is Sclerotium cocus. Mushrooms have many bioactive compounds. Evidence for poria lowering cortisol cannot be located. There is a lack of proof for belly fat loss too.

Poria mushrooms are different from Reishi mushrooms which have been very popular in supplements. See the Reishi mushroom review for much more info.

Jujube

Jujube -also called Ziziphus jujuba – refers to a tree which grows in different part of the world such as the US and Australia. No evidence for jujube reducing cortisol or helping weight loss or belly fat loss can be located.

Perilla

Perilla, also called Perilla frutescens is a flower that belongs to the mint family of plants. Researchers in Japan have noted the leaves of the plant have anti-anxiety effects. Lab rat research has noted perilla reduces fat cell growth. I think we need more human studies on perilla to better understand how effective it is.

 

Phosphatidylserine

We make phosphatidylserine. It's a part of our cells and takes part in how our cells talk to each other. There is not much phosphatidylserine in Relacore Extra because it's the last ingredient listed in the proprietary blend. Phosphatidylserine has been studied to see if it helps people with dementia.

Other researchers have noted a combination of omega 3 fats and phosphatidylserine helped depression in older adults.

Relacore Extra Active Ingredients

This supplement has many ingredients. I speculate if Relacore Extra works – lowers cortisol levels -then it the effect may be due mostly to these ingrdients

• vitamin C
• passion flower
• magnolia (and Phellodendron)

Recall from above magnolia and Phellodendron is found in another supplement called Relora. Of course, it's possible I am wrong and all the ingredients work in tandom together to produce a better effect.

Who Makes Relacore?

Relacore Extra is made by the Carter-Reed Company which is based in Utah.

Company Address: Carter-Reed is located at 5742 W Harold Gatty Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84116.

Website: Relacore.com

Contact number: 800-505-4554 and 1-800-898-5153

The Better Business Bureau gave Carter Reed LLC a rating of “A+” when this review was updated. See the BBB file for updates and more information.

Another company to know about is called “Basic Research” (BasicResearch.org). This is the company that distributes Relacore as well as many other dietary supplements such as the popular anti-aging supplement SeroVital (click to read review).

Basic Research has been in business since 1998 and had a BBB rating of B- when this review was updated. According to the BBB, other names for Basic Research include:

• Covaxil Laboratories
• Nutra Sport
• AlphaGen Biotech LLC
• Klein-Becker USA

These additional business names likely reflect different supplements and products they sell. It's common for companies to create different business entities like this.

Where To Buy Relacore Extra

This supplement is widely available in stores and online. I have seen Relacore in stores like Walmart and Bed Bath and Beyond. It's likely sold at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Target too.

How Much is Relacore Extra?

The supplement was priced at $29.99 on the company website when this review was updated. It may cost less a bit  less Amazon too.

Return Relacore

Supplements are said to come with a “no-nonsense guarantee.” You have 30 days to return the products. If you purchased this supplement from it's website and want to return it, call their customer support number 1-800-898-5153 . they will give you the information you need. When returning the product, send to this address:

ATTN: Returns Dept.
5742 Harold Gatty Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Remember to call the company first. Don't just send the products back. Customer Service will give you the return the information you need. For example, they will give you a Return Authorization Number (RMA number) which you need to put on the outside of the return package.

Relacore Extra vs. Relacore Ultimate

Relacore Ultimate-also called Relacore Fat Burner – is another version of this supplement. How are these supplements different from each other? Here is a side-by-side comparison of each to help you decide:

Relacore Extra (3 tablets)	Relacore Fat Burner (2 capsules)
Vitamin C 1000mg	Proprietary Blend 964 mg consisting of the following:
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 15 mg	Citrus (fruit) Extract
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 15mg	Coffee (bean) Extract
Niacin  50mg	Guaraná (fruit) Extract
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 10 mg	Cola (seed) Extract
Folate  400 mcg	Green Tea (leaf) Extract
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 10 mcg	Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) (whole plant) Powder
Biotin  150 mcg	Fennel (seed) Powder
Pantothenic acid  23 mg	Alpha-lipoic acid
Calcium  33mg
Magnesium  100mg
Zinc  10mg
Proprietary Blend. 240 mg  Blend of:
Passionflower  (aerial parts) powder
Magnolia  (bark) powder
Chinese skullcap extract (root)
Asian Ginseng (root) extract
Poria extract (sclerotium)
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) (fruit) Extract
Perilla extract (leaf)
Phosphatidylserine

So what's the difference? As I see it, the big difference between these is Relacore Fat Burner contains stimulants and -if I can inject my opinion here – trendy /untested weight loss ingredients.  While they don't specifically tell us I believe the following:

• Citrus fruit extract probably refers to citrus Aurantium also known as bitter orange. It's a stimulant similar to ephedra.
• Coffee bean extract probably refers to green coffee bean. Green coffee bean needs better studies to know if it works. See the review of green coffee for more info.
• Kelp. Kelp contains iodine. Iodine helps us make thyroid hormone. Kelp may be used in supplements in an attempt to boost thyroid hormone and reverse hypothyroidism. It's debatable if it does this or not. See the black seed and thyroid review for more on this topic.

The ingredients tell us Relacore Ultimate Fat Burner is supposed to work differently. It's a fat burner supplement not a cortisol /anti-anxiety supplement. Do both supplements work better together? This is unknown. For those with heart and blood pressure problems, speak to your doctor before using stimulant containing supplements.

Does Relacore Help Depression?

If you read the comments you will see several people saying Relacore improved their mood, helping them feel better. While Relacore itself appears to have no depression research, some of its ingredients such as passionflower and Chinese skullcap do.

Might Passionflower and Chinese Skullcap be the anti-depression ingredients in Relacore? It's hard to say but, my guess is they may be.

Is Relacore: Anti-Aging?

On Relacore.com there is a page called Anti-Aging Phenomenon? This page of tries to link excess stress with heart disease, shorter telomeres and faster cellular aging. Too much stress is very harmful to or health. This is true. But without clinical proof, it's hard to know for sure if Relacore -itself- slows aging.

At the bottom of the page, they do list research  to support the Relacore-anti-aging relationship:

• Psychological and metabolic stress: a recipe for accelerated cellular aging?

• Cell aging in relation to stress arousal and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

• Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress.

• Research links stress to biological aging for the first time (this does not seem to be a study but a reference to something put out by the American Federation on Aging. I could not locate it).

It's worth noting none of this refers specifically to Relacore. Rather, the research only says stress can age us.

So, does Relacore reduce heart disease, lengthen telomeres or slow aging?

There is no proof either way.

Relacore Side Effects

In healthy people, I think Relacore is probably safe. I don't think most people would have any side effects. That said, here are a few things to consider. This list is not complete:

• Start with less than is recommended for the first week. this is to see how you respond
• Don't take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Stop taking all supplements -unless your doctor tells you otherwise – at least 2 weeks before having surgery
• Speak to your doctor/pharmacist if you take blood thinner medications.
• Speak to your doctor and pharmacist first if you take any medications

In theory, passionflower and magnolia may interact with sleep aids or medications/ supplements for depression.

Skullcap may interfere with supplements /meds which induce sleep.  There may be an interaction with depression meds also.

Relacore has a lot of biotin. Tell your doctor you take biotin before having blood tests. Biotin supplements might interfere with some laboratory blood tests.

Doctors have reported the case of an overweight, 47-year-old woman who complained of dizziness, confusion and weakness. She had previously lost 30 pounds and was using several supplements. Relacore Extra Strength is mentioned but it's hard to pin down what the cause was due to all the supplements she was taking. She was also dehydrated as well.

 In the comments below, several people have said Relacore helped them. For those who want to just try what may be its active ingredients, taking a look at just passionflower may be another option. Relora, another supplement may also be an option for those who prefer supplements with research.

Does Relacore Work?

Without proof – clinical studies – it's difficult to say although people below have said it helped them feel better. The good news is some of the ingredients in Relacore do have research showing they may lower cortisol and anxiety levels. Whether this leads to belly fat loss or weight loss though, is another thing. Hopefully, this Relacore review has helped you better understand if this supplement is right for you.

Any Comments or Questions?