Update 9/4/20. Zantrex is said to be “the first and only non-ephedra diet pill with a kick.” It's website also boasts an impressive statistic that the Zantrex-3 fat burner will promote “546% more weight loss than the leading ephedra based diet pill.” Let's put that aside for now and get to the real question: Does Zantrex 3 really work? Let's look at these and other questions in this Zantrex 3 review.
The Zantrex 3 Website
I was disappointed with the Zantrex3.com website because it did not show me the ingredients of either Zantrex3, Zantrex 3 Fat Burner or Zantrex 3 Power Crystals when I wrote this review.
Zantrex-3 Ingredients
Two capsules of Zantrex 3 has about 300 mg of caffeine and the following ingredients. I copied this list directly from the label of the bottle I saw at the store.
Niacin 30 mg (150% Daily Value for Niacin). Since niacin is known to cause a skin flushing to occur, I wonder if niacin is included in Zantrex3, so people can “feel” it working? 
A proprietary blend (1160 mg) made of:
- Yerba Mate extract
- Guarana extract
- Trimethylxanthine
- Damiana extract
- Green tea extract
- Kola extract
- Schizonepeta
- Black pepper
- Rhodiola crenulata extract
- Asian ginseng extract
- Maca extract
- Cacao extract
- Black Tea extract
One problem is that we are not told how much each of these ingredients contributes to the total 1160 mg contained 2 pills of Zantrex 3. We are told that 2 casuals has “about 300 mg of caffeine ” (I think that’s a lot). But what about the other 860 mg? They don't tell us.
Here is a brief breakdown of each of the ingredients in Zantrex-3.
Yerba Mate
contains caffeine.
Guarana
contains caffeine.
Damiana
This is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. That research is mostly in rats.
I have reversed the order of damina and trimethylxanthine in this list for a reason. Yerba Mate, Guarana and Damina are said to be the “Active Weight Loss Compound” in Zantrex-3. I believe these three ingredients are called this because of a weight-loss study of these ingredients published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
Researchers noted that the combination of Yerba Mate, Guarana and Damina, made people full longer (because it slowed stomach emptying) and helped weight loss in 47 adults. As far as I can tell, this is the only human study on these three ingredients so far.
Trimethylxanthine
This is caffeine
Green tea
This contains caffeine
Kola extract
The extract is probably caffeine
Schizonepeta
I'm not sure why this herb is in Zantrex 3 because I can't find any weight loss or stimulant properties. There is some research that links Schizonepeta to liver damage when used in large amounts. This is due to a compound called pulegone that is in Schizonepeta. I'm not aware of any liver issues associated with Zantrex 3.
Rhodiola Crenulata
This herb is likely in Zantrex-3 because of some research noting that doses of 50mg – 340 mg of Rhodiola might help depression, reduce fatigue and improveexercise performance. It should be noted that each of these claims appear to be based on, at most, one study and, in the case for exercise, another study, using 1500 mg per day noted that rhodiola does not work.
Still, the research on Rhodiola is interesting.
My big question when it comes to Rhodiola crenulata extract is what “extract” is in Zantrex-3? They don't tell us. Given the scantiness amount of research on Rhodiola, I'm not sure what “extract” would be the correct extract to use.
Rhodiola is also found in the weight loss supplement SlimQuick.
Asian Ginseng
Researchers also call this herb “Panax” ginseng. I see no good proof that Asian ginseng improves energy levels or helps with weight loss. There is some interest in Asian ginseng for erectile dysfunction, which is why this herb is also found in the male enhancement supplement Triverex.
Maca Extract
Another name for Maca is Lepidium meyenii. Again, what extract of Maca is in Zantrex-3? I can't find any weight loss evidence for this herb, however one study noted that it improved desire for sex in men when 1500-3000 mg were given to 57 men over a 12 week period.
Maca did not raise testosterone levels however. Maca is also found in Triverex, a sex supplement for men.
Cacao Extract
Zantrex-3 calls this stuff “Cacao” but you know it by its other name —cocoa or better yet, chocolate! Cocoa is a stimulant because it has caffeine. Is caffeine the “extract” used in Zantrex3?
Zantrex 3 Caffeine Ingredients
On the label of Zantrex-3, it's said that ” Trimethylxanthine, and guarana form the “Active Energy Compound. As I've said, Trimethylxanthine is caffeine and guarana contains caffeine. So caffeine is the active energy compound. After looking at the ingredients in Zantrex-3, I'd say all of these are the ingredients that have caffeine.
- Yerba Mate
- Guarana
- Trimethylxanthine
- green tea
- Kola
- Cacao
- Black tea
How Much Caffeine in Zantrex 3?
Two capsules contain about 300 mg of caffeine.
Either way, I believe any weight loss effect of Zantrex 3 is likely due to it's heavy concentration of the stimulant, caffeine. People who have more energy, are likely to do more physical activity and hence, burn more calories.
Is Zantrex-3 FDA Approved?
The website for Zantrex-3 displays that it's made in America. It really is, but I thought this might give some people the idea that Zantrex-3 has been approved by the FDA or some other US government agency. This is not so. The FDA does not test supplements for safety—or to test if they even really work— before they are sold.
Yes, supplements do have regulations, but they are not “approved” by the FDA before they are sold. Read my Supplement Questions page for more on supplement laws.
546% More Weight Loss?
The Zantrex-3 website makes the claim that it will promote “546% more weight loss than the leading ephedrine-based weight loss diet pill.” It also says “…and that’s a fact.” Let's set aside the fact that in America there are no ephedrine-based diet pills because ephedrine is banned from weight loss supplements.
When you click on the 546% more weight loss statement, you are taken to a pdf file that reads at the top “Published Clinical Studies Do Not Lie.”
But, the study is not a published clinical study. I say this because they do not tell us where this study was “published.” What we see in this pdf file is a comparison between Zantrex 3 and an unknown product, called “America's Best Seller” which they say contains ephedrine.
This “study” does not even appear to be a head-to-head comparison of these products. Rather, what we see seems to be two different vague summaries two different products with the results tilting in favor of Zantrex-3.
But, since I can't see where the studies were published, I'm not even sure either of these “studies” are real. There is an asterisk next to both “studies” but when I look for what that asterisk refers to, nothing can be found.
At the bottom of the pdf —in small print —we read that “the 546% more weight loss claim is based on Zantrex-3's active weight loss component.”
The ingredients they are referring to are Yerba Mate, Guarana, and Damina. I have linked to the study of these ingredients, which was published in 2001. This was the only study of these 3 ingredients I could find, so I believe this is the study that is the basis for using Yerba Mate, Guarana and Damina in Zantrex 3 as their “active weight loss compound.”
But, in the summary of this study, I didn't see any claim that these ingredients promoted 546% more weight loss. In fact, the study was only of these 3 ingredients and weight loss. There was no comparison to any other weight loss product. If this is the study they are referencing, I'd like to know where the “546% more weight loss” claim came from.
Zantrex 3 Fat Burner & Power Crystals
When I first heard that there was a Zantrex 3 Fat Burner and Zantrex-3 Power Crystals I wondered, “If Zantrex 3 is so great, why would anyone need these other products?” If I review these products in the future I will link to it here. Zantrex 3 is in a blue bottle. Zantrex 3 Fat Burner is in a red bottle.
The Zantrex-3 bottle does warn that people should not take the Red bottle at the same time as taking the blue bottle. This may be because of overloading on caffeine and other stimulants.
Who Makes ZanTrex 3?
Zantrex 3 is made by Zoller© Laboratories. On the Zantrex 3 website, they list their address as 5742 West Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116.
They list a phone number of (800) 392-3689.
When I looked up this address on Google, the street view shows a sign that says “Basic Research.” Google also notes this address as having the name Klein-Becker Strivectin. The Better Business Bureau gives Zollar laboratories a rating of A+. They also give Basic Research has an A + too
Zantrex 3 and Snooki
The Zantrex-3 website used to show pictures of Snooki (of the Jersey Shore fame) in what “looks like” a papazari photo and a picture apparently taken in her bedroom. Zantrex-3 was seen sticking out from her purse and on her nightstand. The caption says “Another celebrity caught cheating with a controversial diet pill.”
Maybe she used Zantrex 3 or maybe she didn’t. Let's assume Snookie would not allow her picture to be used on the Zantrex 3 website if she was not being reimbursed for it.
Zantrex-3 “As Seen in” Magazines
Zantrex 3 “As seen in” various magazines like Shape, Glamour and Cosmopolitan is also mentioned on the Zantrex 3 website. But, what does “As seen in” really mean? Well, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those magazines wrote glowing reviews on Zantrex 3. Maybe they did or didn’t. I don't know. I will point out that technically, “As seen in” could even mean that Zantrex 3 took out an ad in those magazines. People who read those magazines probably saw the ad.
Zantrex 3 Side Effects
The following side effects are based on what might happen in some people, given its ingredients.
- The box of Zantrex-3 does contain this warning” “Do not take Zantrex-3 fat burner (red bottle) and Zantrex-3 (blue bottle) at the same time.”
- Zantrex 3 has a LOT of stimulants (about 300 mg of caffeine according to the bottle). I believe it should be avoided by anyone who has heart or blood pressure problems.
- Black pepper may increase levels of some seizure medications. Black pepper may increase the absorption of other medications also.
- In one report a 38-year-old woman who took Zantrex 3 for two months developed grand mall seizures and blurry vision. After stopping, her problems went away.
- Asian ginseng. Animal research suggests that Asian ginseng may increase blood clotting and as such may be inappropriate for people who take blood thinner medications.
- Asian ginseng might interact with MANY medications, including insulin. On the plus side, some evidence suggests that Asian ginseng may prevent some types of cancer. That doesn’t mean Zantrex-3 prevents cancer.
- Some warn that Yerba Mate may increase the risk of some types of cancer. That doesn't mean Zantrex-3 causes cancer though.
- Schizonepeta is linked to liver damage when taken in large amounts. I don't know if that means Zantrex 3 would also cause liver damage. I could not find any direct proof that Zantrex 3 caused liver failure. Still, talk to your doctor especially if you have liver problems.
Does Zantrex 3 Work?
Zantrex 3 appears to be a bunch of stimulants. Based on that it cant be recommended. There are safer things out there such as this supplement:
What do you think?
First day using zan-3 red Bottle and I seem fine no jitters. had enough energy for the gym no upset anything.
Hi Tashina, thanks for sharing. Im glad you are not having any issues with Zantrex 3.
I took the zantrex black for the first time today and 15 minutes after I felt like I was going to puke I had a ton of silver dots flying in front of my face I was spitting and there was blood in my spit it felt like my throat was closing I was breathing really hard felt like I couldn’t catch my breath and was sitting on the floor of my bathroom on the verge of passing out
I could feel myself falling backwards and couldn’t do anything to stop it needless to say I won’t be taking that or anything like it again looks like it’s back to good old fashioned diet and exercise for me
Heather wow I’m so sorry you went through all that! I really hope you are ok today.
I was ok after I layed down for a couple of minutes but I felt the effects of it all afterwards it scared me big time though
Heather, Thanks for writing back. I’m glad you are OK. What happened would have scared me too.
Today is the second day i use zantrex 3 black bottle. The first day i used 2 pills and felt the rush right when i arrived to the gym ran a few games of basketball for 2 hours and felt great.
Today the second day i did the same , took two pills arrived to the gym and lifted a few weights this time. while doing so i felt a little light headed . I drank lots of water and rest breaks. I felt i exhausted myself.
Later that day i went to work. Thirty minutes in , i lifted a box of liquor bottles while being still for a few minutes while looking at my phone when suddenly my forearm felt to explode due to a unbearable pressure. I then spoke to the pharmacist who i work along side with told me to take my blood pressure in 15 minutes after i relaxed. I did so ; i then saw after not doing anything those 15 minutes that my blood pressure was 148 , hypertension which i never had .
Then heart beat was 89. Although i was not doing anything for 15 minutes i felt my heart rate was a little high and not the usual 72 . should i be worried.
A blood pressure of 148 isn’t really high. These pills have a ton of caffeine in them and are made for energy boosting, so yes your blood pressure may be a little elevated. It’s as if you are drinking an energy drink. As the heart rate goes, normal rate is between 60-100. I am an EMT and all I’m doing all day is checking heart rates and blood pressures.
I’ve seen heart rates in the 130’s and blood pressures well over 200. I really wouldn’t worry about the numbers you are seeing. Now about the feeling in your forearm, I don’t know much about that. If that continues to happen, maybe get it checked out? Just stay hydrated as you are doing and make sure you’re eating.
If you aren’t drinking a lot of water and eating at least 3 meals a day, you feeling light headed may only get worse. I hoped this helped even a little bit, and like I said, don’t freak out about those numbers. If they only get worse and don’t go down back to your normal numbers, then consult your physician. Other than that, hope you’re getting the results you wished for !
P.s. I’ve been using these for 2 days and I think these pills are better than any other supplement I’ve ever used.
Ashley, I’ve read that the 60-100 bpm for normal heart rate was chosen because that range conveniently fit the EKG paper the doctors were using at the time.
I took Zantrex3 (blue) in 2006. I was 210 lbs & over 6 months got down to 150 ish. It did work wonders. Over the years I got down to a fit 120 lbs (after 2 babies). I recently gained 20 lb after getting to ‘comfy’ in my good relationship & I did the worst, I stopped exercise completely!..so @ 140 lb (5’4) & feeling terrible with myself, I’m trying Zantrex 3 again. My fear was that the 2nd go round with it wouldn’t work…I was wrong.
It’s been 3 days, I’ve taken 2-3 pill per day. My work pants fit again ALREADY! I’ve only lost 2 lb but I HAVE lost almost an inch..Because, It makes me have no desire for the amount of food I was eating. I have not gotten a headache (which I had almost daily), from eating soo much. I do not feel bloated now. I have great energy, which I didn’t even have enough to fulfill my 2 jobs. I feel more sexually active with my hubby, which i didn’t even feel comfortable or energized to move at all for the past 6-10 months, and I know that he must of disliked THAT allot..
I hope it stays this way & won’t “crash” as time goes on. I only take them in the morning or mid-afternoon as they will keep you awake. My face is no longer bloated either. Will update my review as time goes on, maybe a week or so, they do make you feel different kind of but it’s hard to explain, Food kinda freaks me out @ this point, like food doesn’t mix well with the pill in your stomach.
I plan to keep the bloat/swollen off & get back to moving and incorporate an exercise plan into my busy schedule.
I am 38 inshape for the most part but getting older metabolism slowing down. I am a mother of 3 140 lbs never weighed more than 125 except when pregnant. started taking the blue bottle 2 weeks ago still walking my 2 miles every other day minimum work out sometimes more some less. haven’t lost an ounce though.
should I increase the pills only take 4 a day sometimes only 2 in the morning don’t really think pills help lose weight moving dose so am I just old and slowly getting old age fat …. Need input
Winterblues, first off you are not old. 38 is not old by any means 🙂 Instead of of increasing the dosage of zantrex 3 why dont you write down what you are eating. you can use myfitnesspal to track your calories and the calories you use when you are walking. That may give you some insights as to if you are eating too many calories to get to your goal weight. You might also want to get your thyroid checked as this might also cause weight gain.
I have only been taking this for 2 days, as directed. I have blacked out twice today, almost passed out and my eyes went from dilated to pinpoint for two hours. I do NOT recommend. Everything you said was true.
Rachel, oh I am SO sorry that happened to you! I hope you are feeling better now and based on what you said happened, I hope you have stopped zantrex 3. Take it back to where you got it and try to get a refund.
I started the blue bottle Zantrex-3 a week ago because of the TV commercial. So far I’ve gained a couple of pounds, am more tired than I’ve been in a long time, and my stomach is getting upset a lot. I did find I was less hungry after taking them for the first three days but that’s wearing off sooner than it had. No irregular heart rhythms but I’m getting rid of them. Another waste of money.
WaryOne, sorry that happened to you. I dont hear many people say they gained weight with Zantrex 3.
Did stop taking the supplements immediately. Bleeding has not yet stopped. Didnt have time to see a doctor before flying home, but made it back safe and sound. Will be going to see a doctor today
Kristina, I’m glad you made it home ok! Hoping the doctor can give you some answers to what the issue might be.
Ok, so I saw the ad for combo pilling with relacore and zantrex in a magazine, read up a bit online, and liked what I heard for the most part. I am a 45 year old,very overweight female who has tried just about everything to lose weight so I thought I would give it a try. I bought relacore, and zantrex 3 (in the red bottle).
The first morning, I took one pill of each… I had increased energy, and no jitters or anything else… To tell you the truth, I felt pretty good. I took one zantrex 3 with my evening meal, and went to bed later that night still feeling good.
The next morning, I again took one of each pill, but noticed later in the day I had some vaginal bleeding… It wasn’t much, but being 45 and peri menopausal, i had not had a period in 10 months, so it was curious for me. I bought some pads, took one more zantrex with my evening meal an later went to bed as I had the previous night.
Well, I woke up at 4am this morning, drenched in sweat in a pool of blood… I am having terrible abdominal pains, and am passing blood clots… I am weak and shaky… Likely from blood loss, and lucky me I am supposed to be on an airplane in 8 hours flying back home to Canada from a vacation in the US.
I would not recommend this course of action for anyone out there, THIS can not be healthy!
Kristina, Please go see a doctor before you get on the airplane. Please stop taking both supplements immediately. Let me know how you are doing.
Joe, I’ve been using C4 to lose weight. It curbs my appetite, boosts my energy and I feel great through my workout every evening. I am always skeptical about any product and that is why I am going to stop taking it once I reach my goal weight. I feel like long term use on any diet or per workout supplement product is simply not good for anyone. The zantrax 3 commercial looks quite inviting, I mean, who wouldn’t want to look like that???? I’m just too scared to try it, but maybe that’s a good thing.
DJ, Im not familiar with C4 but I have heard of it. Ill try to remember to check it out next time Im at vitamin shoppe.
Hi Joe, I have just started using this product this week for some weight loss but mostly for energy! My typical day consists of waking up at 5:15 am, working from 6:15am-5:30pm then either gym (1hr 20min) or rugby practice (2hrs) Monday to Friday. I used to use REV-XP when I played competitive football and found the energy to be what I needed. I am really liking the energy I get now from the Z-3pills but am wondering if there is something safer and healthier to use or try. Can you help shed some light on this for me? Feel free to email me! Thank you for your time!
P.S I take 1-2 pills at 8:30am and another 1-2 at 4pm and have exactly what I need. Never exceeding 5-6a day.
Fraser, Im glad you have not had any side effects.
Fraser, I think zantrex 3 is a caffeine supplement. I dont know of anything else that would have ingredients other than caffeine that would do the same thing.
can i take zantrex-3,my weight is 61 kg and high 4.08 f
and i want to loss 15 kg in 2 month is it possible ?
i do everything to loss my weight but…………..now you plz tall me that what is the wrong effect of it ………..
Armin, I dont think losing 30 pounds (15 kg) in a month is healthy. I dont think zantrex 3 is the answer for you. take a look at this post and pay attention to the 13 tips I mention at the end
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I think this may help you more. Aim for no more than 2 pounds per week at the very most. I personally think its best to aim for 1 pound (1 kg) per week.
I just started taking zan-3 I’m going on my 2nd day. So far I have had nausea and more energy than usual. I take losarton 50 mg one pill a day. For my blood pressure do you think zan-3 would have negative effects on me?
Kevin S, I think you should run stimulants past your doctor because of your blood pressure. Go to your doctor today and ask them to take your blood pressure to see what it is. Being nauseous can be a sign of blood pressure going too high.
Would the Losartan over the counter react with zan-3?
Kevin S, I dont know. Thats a question Id ask your doctor or pharmacist.