Advantra Z® Not Linked to Cardiovascular Stress, Increases Fat Oxidation

Advantra Z® Not Linked to Cardiovascular Stress, Increases Fat Oxidation

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.New research finds extract of Citrusaurantium (bitter orange) does not affect blood pressure and heart rate,affirming results of several other recent studies showing ingestion of bitterorange does not lead to increased cardiovascular stress.

The study, conducted by researchers from St. Cloud State University (St.Cloud, Minn.) and Colorado University (Colorado Springs), examined thecorrelation between a typical dose (52 mg) of bitter orange (as Advantra Z®,from Nutratech Inc.) when combined with 704 mg caffeine (equivalent to aboutnine cups of coffee) over a 24-hour period. The researchers observed noincreases in blood pressure or heart rate in subjects who used a productcontaining both bitter orange and caffeine. The researchers also found fat oxidation in certain populations of testsubjects following ingestion of bitter orange.

According to Nutratech, the researchers noted several recent studiesmeasuring the potential influence of bitter orange on the cardiovascular systemdo not note whether m-isomers (which have been shown to raise blood pressure) orp-isomers (which have not been linked to increases in blood pressure) of bitterorange were used and how specific isomers affect physiological andpharmacokinetic responses. The researchers further suggested studies linkingbitter orange with elevated blood pressure were likely influenced by otheractive ingredients in the supplements provided to test subjects. At thispoint, there seems to be little or no scientific justification to attribute acardiovascular risk to ingestion of Citrus aurantium, and p-synephrinespecifically, Nutratech said the report stated.

I credit [John] Seifert, [Ph.D.] and his team for distinguishing betweenhow the m- and p isomers of synephrine impact heart rate and blood pressure,said Bob Green, president of Nutratech. Many researchers overlook theimportance of this distinction, but it is critical in understanding how Citrusaurantium works in the body, he said. Because Advantra Z has been provento contain only p-synephrine, users of products containing Advantra Z can restassured they are ingesting the only proven bitter orange ingredient on themarket.

The study, funded by a research grant from Enforma Natural Products, has beensubmitted for peer review to The Journal of Nutrition.