Thread: Weight-loss supplement recalled

Weight-loss supplement recalled
By LAURA PAYTON





OTTAWA - A potentially deadly weight-loss supplement is being pulled from shelves.

Synerate, made by Strive and distributed by Upper 49th, contains caffeine and synephrine, two stimulants that have been reported to cause side-effects ranging from dizziness and headaches to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke.

The product is marketed as preserving muscle during weight loss, and claims to be made in facilities licensed by Health Canada. But the recall notice issued by Health Canada says Synerate isn't authorized by the department.

Dr. Denis Prud'homme, head of the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Health Sciences, says there's no safe medication clinically proven to sustain weight loss.

"It's not worth the risk. That's for sure," he said.

Anyone worried about muscle loss while they're losing weight can compensate by eating more lean protein and doing resistance training, he said.