If you see anyone saying they’re with ‘Body Balancing Drops’ - it’s not a new MLM - as I thought, they’re just not telling you they’re with Ariix, a large multi-level marketing company based out of Bountiful, Utah!!
What they’re flogging is these weight loss ‘drops’ (called Slenderiiz) that are apparently a miracle cure for literally everything!
So what’s in them? Let's debunk the hype!
Two supplements in drops-form make up the core of the Slenderiiz program: a homeopathic formula called Slenderiix and a vitamin B12/vitamin H mixture called Xceler8, the latter touted as a metabolic stimulator.
Going down the ingredients list:
AMMONIUM BROMATUM
The homeopathic remedy ammonium bromatum is prescribed for various diseases of the throat that are associated with shortness of breath and thick mucus. So basically when you have a bad cold.
Various sources on homeopathy site ‘obesity’ but none of them actually give a detailed breakdown of what it does for (or against) obesity or how much you need to take, which they all do for the respiratory problems.
AVENA SATIVA
Avena sativa = oats.
The Ariix website and adjacent website about these products claim it has anti-inflammatory properties and that oats provide dietary fibres…
Well, for one they’ve taken the fibres away as that would be the oat kernel, not some extracted tincture.
In homeopathy Avena Sativa is mainly used to calm the nervous system (help you sleep) and in male potency.
Avena sativa tinctures and herbal supplements aim to deliver the healthy properties of oats in a more condensed form. Though it’s thought the best way to benefit from the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in Avena sativa may simply be to eat more oats!
CALCAREA CARBONICA
Calcarea carbonica - derived from oyster shells! (WARNING VEGANS!)
According to Ariix it is a homeopathic remedy that's thought to help with weight management by addressing issues related to mood and digestion.
In homeopathy it’s used for people with oedema, tickling cough, fleeting chest pains, nausea, acidity and dislike of fat. People who are overworked, who are experiencing tiredness and wariness from over exertion, sweaty heads, who are cold, may have headaches.
There is no real medical reference to oyster shell being beneficial to your health. At all!
FUCUS VESICULOSUS
Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common names bladderwrack, black tang, rockweed, sea grapes, bladder fucus, sea oak, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus and rock wrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency.
This is the first one where the Ariix website agrees:
Fucus vesiculosus, commonly known as bladderwrack, is a type of seaweed. It's included in Slenderiiz Weight Loss Drops for its potential to affect thyroid hormone levels due to its iodine content.
But then they make dangerous health claims on diabetes: It may also have anti-diabetic effects.
GRAPHITES
Common Names: Pencil lead; graphite; plumbago.
Yeah, really!
From the Ariix website; a homeopathic remedy, is believed to be helpful for individuals who struggle with excess weight and symptoms like anxiety and sadness. It's thought to support the body's metabolic processes and overall weight management.
In homeopathy: Graphites (Graph.) is a remedy for anxiety, uncertainty, and types of skin complaints.
Yep, nothing about weight loss or weight management. Some sites refer to it being suitable for people ‘prone to obesity’ but there is never a claim that it cures or helps with weight loss or weight management or that it supports the body’s metabolic processes.
IGNATIA AMARA
Common Name: St Ignatius bean; Aguwasun; Igasud.
Derived from Strychnos ignatii; a tree native to the Philippines, particularly in Catbalogan and parts of China. The plant was first described by the Moravian (Czech) Jesuit working in the Philippines, brother Georg Kamel who named its seeds "the beans of St. Ignatius", in honour of the founder of his religious order, hence St Ignatius Bean.
The beans of the plant contain the alkaloids strychnine and brucine both TOXIC; Strychnine is a highly toxic, colorless, bitter, crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents. Strychnine, when inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the eyes or mouth, causes poisoning which results in muscular convulsions and eventually death through asphyxia. While it is no longer used medicinally, it was used historically in small doses to strengthen muscle contractions, such as a heart and bowel stimulant and performance-enhancing drug.
Brucine poisoning is rare, since it is usually ingested with strychnine, and strychnine is more toxic than brucine.
According to Ariix; Ignatia amara is a homeopathic remedy that may be included to address anxiety and depression. Emotional eating can be a significant factor in weight gain, and Ignatia amara is thought to help individuals manage their emotions and reduce impulsive eating.
According to homeopathy websites; As a remedy, it is primarily used for emotional disturbances, depression, effects of grief, and mental shock (as from loss of near and dear ones).
Nothing about weight gain or emotional eating.
KALI PHOSPHORICUM
A.k.a. Potassium phosphate, a food additive under the E number E340.
Potassium phosphate helps stabilize, thicken and maintain the pH (acidity or alkalinity) and moisture in processed foods.
From Ariix website: Kali phosphoricum, a homeopathic remedy, may aid in managing stress and anxiety. This can be beneficial for weight loss, as it may help individuals make healthier choices and manage emotional eating.
In homeopathy; Kali Phos is a potassium salt that is potentized and used as a homeopathic medicine for various diseases. It is a tonic for nerves and brain, and helps in curing headaches, asthma, vertigo, insomnia and other conditions. It is one of the top listed remedies for weakness, mental and physical depression, lethargy, nervous affections, etc.
Again, nothing about weight loss or emotional eating.
LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM
Lycopodium clavatum (common club moss, stag's-horn clubmoss, running clubmoss, or ground pine) a moss that resembles tiny pine or conifer branches on the ground. It is found all around the world, but deemed rare nowadays and found mostly in undisturbed areas, it has been mostly eradicated by farmers burning the plants, thus making it endangered.
The dry spores of clubmoss plants, or various fern relatives, was used as Lycopodium powder, a yellow-tan dust-like powder. When it is mixed with air, the spores are highly flammable and are used to create dust explosions as theatrical special effects. The powder was traditionally used in physics experiments to demonstrate phenomena such as Brownian motion.
It’s only medicinal use is recorded in Cornwall, club mosses gathered during certain lunar phases were historically used as a remedy for eye disease.
From Ariix website: Lycopodium clavatum is a homeopathic remedy that's believed to support healthy digestion. Proper digestion is essential for nutrient absorption and better well-being, which can indirectly influence weight management.
In homeopathy: Lycopodium clavatum (Lyc.) is a key remedy for lack of confidence, and types of acute and chronic digestive disorders. Physical symptoms such as eczema and cracked heels tend to be on the right-side of the body, be worst on the right side, or start on the right and before extending to the left. Symptoms worsened by warm rooms and between 4 – 8pm. Those needing Lycopodium often have dry skin or mucus membranes, and crave sweets.
NATRUM MURIATICUM
WARNING TO PEOPLE WITH HYPERTENSION AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES!!
Natrum muriaticum is the homeopathic remedy commonly known as TABLE SALT or sodium chloride. Salt is the second most common substance in nature, water being the first.
Sodium is an essential nutrient for human health via its role as an electrolyte and osmotic solute. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium, equivalent to 5 grams of salt, per day.
From Ariix: Natrum muriaticum, commonly known as Natrum Mur, is a homeopathic remedy included for its potential to address issues related to fluid balance and emotions. It's believed to support emotional well-being, which can be essential for weight management, as emotional eating is a common factor in weight gain. Additionally, Natrum Mur may help regulate bodily fluids, contributing to an overall sense of wellness.
In homeopathy; use by common symptoms such as sneezing, colds, exhaustion, hay fever, hives, dryness and cracking of skin, eczema, psoriasis, herpetic eruptions, constipation, headaches, backpain, and more.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, about weight management or fluid balance or even emotions!
SULFURICUM ACIDUM
Sulfuric acid or sulphuric acid (Commonwealth spelling), known in antiquity as ‘oil of vitriol’, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen, with the molecular formula H2SO4. It is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is miscible with water.
Concentrated sulfuric acid is highly corrosive towards other materials, from rocks to metals, since it is an oxidant with powerful dehydrating properties.
According to Ariix; Sulfuricum acidum is a homeopathic remedy that's believed to support overall health. While it may not directly contribute to weight loss, maintaining good health is essential for achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.
In homeopathy used by hot flushes, tremors and general weakness, acid reflux, heartburn and digestive disturbances, but also writers cramp and lead poisoning.
Need we repeat again? Nothing about weight management…
THYROIDINUM
Dried Thyroid Gland of the Sheep (VEGAN WARNING!!)
Desiccated thyroid, also known as thyroid extract, is thyroid gland that has been dried and powdered for medical use. It is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is less preferred than levothyroxine. It is taken by mouth. Maximal effects may take up to three weeks to occur. Side effects may occur from excessive doses. This may include weight loss, fever, headache, anxiety, trouble sleeping, arrythmias, and heart failure. Other side effects may include allergic reactions. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally safe. Regular blood tests are recommended to verify the appropriateness of the dose. They contain a mixture of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Desiccated thyroid has been used since the late 1800s. It is usually made from pigs, sheep, or cows. It is available as a generic medication. In 2020, it was the 117th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 5 million prescriptions. Usage has decreased since the 1960s.
Ariix: Thyroidinum is a homeopathic remedy often used for addressing thyroid-related issues.
An optimal thyroid function is crucial for metabolism, and this remedy is believed to support healthy thyroid activity, indirectly influencing weight management.
In Homeopathy: Thyroidinum is a homeopathic medicine that relieves Symptoms Of eczema or psoriasis. It is mostly related with syndrome like hypothyroidism as well as early senility, menopause etc (symptoms of hyperthyroidism), but also the symptoms of delayed mile stones, that is; slow / late /delayed healing of umbilical cord, closing of skull bones, teething problems, late learning to walk, delayed development of speech in babies and young children.
VITAMIN B12 (AS METHYLCOBALAMIN)
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in metabolism. It is important in the normal functioning of the nervous system via its role in the synthesis of myelin (Myelinogenesis continues throughout the lifespan to support learning and memory), and in the circulatory system in the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Ariix claims; Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production and overall well-being. Adequate B12 levels can help combat fatigue and support an active lifestyle, which is beneficial for weight management.
“Hi, I’m science and I didn’t say that!”
What science did say is:
Vitamin B12 deficiency with levels only slightly lower than normal, a range of symptoms such as feeling tired, weak, feeling like one may faint, dizziness, breathlessness, headaches, mouth ulcers, upset stomach, decreased appetite, difficulty walking (staggering balance problems), muscle weakness, depression, poor memory, poor reflexes, confusion, and pale skin, feeling abnormal sensations, among others, may be experienced, especially in people over age 60. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms of mania and psychosis. Among other problems, weakened immunity, reduced fertility and interruption of blood circulation in women may occur.
However, most people in developed countries (USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc) get enough B12 from the consumption of meat or foods from animal sources. Foods containing vitamin B12 include meat, clams, liver, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with the vitamin. The diets of vegetarians and vegans may not provide sufficient B12 unless a dietary supplement is consumed.
BIOTIN
Biotin (also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H) is one of the B vitamins. It is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, both in humans and in other organisms, primarily related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids.
The dietary biotin intake in Western populations has been estimated to be in the range of 35 to 70 μg/day.
For biotin labeling purposes 100% of the daily value is 30 μg/day.
Ariix claims: Biotin, a B vitamin, plays a role in metabolism, particularly in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It supports overall metabolic processes, which can indirectly influence weight management.
“Hi, I’m science and I didn’t say that!”
What science did say is:
Realistically people in “Western” populations (USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc) do not require biotin supplements, unless they have been shown via medical testing that they have a biotin deficiency. Primary biotin deficiency, meaning deficiency as a consequence of too little biotin in the diet, is rare, because biotin is contained in so many foods. Subclinical deficiency can cause mild symptoms, such as hair thinning, brittle fingernails, or skin rash, typically on the face. If you have a biotin deficiency you would know about it, based on the symptoms above and be under care of your physician and be treated appropriately. If you recognise these symptoms consult your physician!
The ‘supports overall metabolic processes’ quote most likely is derived from “Biotinidase deficiency” which is an autosomal recessive (genetic) metabolic disorder in which biotin is not released from proteins in the diet during digestion or from normal protein turnover in the cell. This situation results in biotin deficiency. Signs and symptoms of a biotinidase deficiency (BTD) can appear several days after birth. These include seizures, hypotonia and muscle/limb weakness, ataxia, paresis, hearing loss, optic atrophy, skin rashes (including seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis), and alopecia. If left untreated, the disorder can rapidly lead to coma and death. Biotinidase deficiency can also appear later in life. This is referred to as "late-onset" biotinidase deficiency. The symptoms are similar, but perhaps more mild, because if an individual survives the neonatal period they likely have some residual activity of biotin-related enzymes. Again, this is something that is under a physician’s care; Some of the symptoms that can occur with metabolic disorders are lethargy, weight loss, jaundice and seizures. The symptoms expressed would vary with the type of metabolic disorder.
ROSEHIPS AND ACEROLA FRUIT EXTRACT
Vitamin C
Ariix claims: Rosehips and acerola are included for their high vitamin C content and potential antioxidant properties. Supporting overall health can indirectly contribute to weight management by promoting well-being.
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits, berries and vegetables, also sold as a dietary supplement and as a topical "serum" ingredient to treat melasma (dark pigment spots) and wrinkles on the face. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue, the formation of collagen, and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant. Most animals are able to synthesize their own vitamin C. However, apes (including humans) and monkeys (but not all primates), most bats, most fish, some rodents, and certain other animals must acquire it from dietary sources because a gene for a synthesis enzyme has mutations.
Globally, vitamin C deficiency is common in low and middle-income countries, and not uncommon in high income countries. In the latter, prevalence is higher in males than in females, and in the elderly compared to younger populations.
Vitamin C may be taken by mouth or by intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous injection. Other than for treating scurvy, which is a vitamin C deficiency caused disease, there are a number of diseases and health conditions for which claims have been made for increased risk if moderately deficient, and for benefits from vitamin C supplementation in excess of recommended dietary consumption for people who are not considered vitamin C deficient. The long history of claimed benefits includes the common cold, cancer, heart disease and COVID-19.
Research on vitamin C in the common cold has been divided into effects on prevention, duration, and severity. A Cochrane review which looked at at least 200 mg/day concluded that vitamin C taken on a regular basis was not effective in prevention of the common cold. Restricting analysis to trials that used at least 1000 mg/day also saw no prevention benefit. However, taking vitamin C on a regular basis did reduce the average duration of the illness by 8% in adults and 14% in children, and also reduced the severity of colds. In a more recent meta-analysis, vitamin C taken on a regular basis reduced the duration of severe symptoms but had no effect on the duration of mild symptoms.
A subset of trials looked at therapeutic use, meaning that the vitamin was not started unless the people started to feel the beginnings of a cold. In these, vitamin C did not affect the duration or severity of the illness.
During March through July 2020, vitamin C was the subject of more US FDA warning letters than any other ingredient for prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19.
In April 2021, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines stated that "there are insufficient data to recommend either for or against the use of vitamin C for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19." In an update posted December 2022, the NIH position was unchanged:
There is insufficient evidence for the COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel (the Panel) to recommend either for or against the use of vitamin C for the treatment of COVID-19 in nonhospitalized patients.
There is insufficient evidence for the Panel to recommend either for or against the use of vitamin C for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Three meta-analyses of people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 - with a high overlap in the clinical trials being included - reported a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause, in-hospital mortality with the administration of vitamin C relative to no vitamin C. There were no significant differences in ventilation incidence, hospitalization duration or length of intensive care unit stay between the two groups. The majority of the trials used intravenous administration of the vitamin. Acute kidney injury was lower in people treated with vitamin C treatment. There were no differences in the frequency of other adverse events due to the vitamin. All three journal articles concluded that further large-scale studies are needed to affirm its mortality benefits before issuing updated guidelines and recommendations.
There is no evidence that vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of lung cancer in healthy people or those at high risk due to smoking or asbestos exposure.
A review concluded there was no evidence that vitamin C supplementation decreases the risk cardiovascular disease.
The Good News:
Serum vitamin C was reported to be 15.13 μmol/L lower in people with hypertension compared to normotensives. Two meta-analyses of intervention clinical trials with oral supplementation of Vitamin C at 757.5 mg/day reported a very modest but statistically significant decrease in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in people with hypertension.
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, trouble sleeping, and flushing of the skin. Normal doses are safe during pregnancy. The United States Institute of Medicine recommends against taking large doses.
The rose hip or rosehip, also called rose haw and rose hep, is the accessory fruit of the various species of rose plant. It is typically red to orange, but ranges from dark purple to black in some species.
Rose hips are used in bread and pies, jam, jelly, marmalade, syrup, soup, tea, wine, and other beverages.
Rose hips can be eaten raw, like berries, if care is taken to avoid the hairs inside the fruit. The hairs are used as itching powder. Rose hips are commonly used in herbal tea, often blended with hibiscus. An oil is also extracted from the seeds. Rose hip soup, known as nyponsoppa in Swedish, is especially popular in Sweden. Rhodomel, a type of mead, is made with rose hips. Rose hips can be used to make pálinka, the traditional Hungarian fruit brandy popular in Hungary, Romania, and other countries sharing Austro-Hungarian history. Rose hips are also the central ingredient of cockta, the fruity-tasting national soft drink of Slovenia.
Dried rose hips are also sold for crafts and home fragrance purposes. The Inupiat mix rose hips with wild redcurrant and highbush cranberries and boil them into a syrup.
Wild rose hip fruits are particularly rich in vitamin C, containing 426 mg per 100 g or 0.4% by weight (w/w). Domestic fresh rose hips and several commercially available products revealed a wide range of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content, ranging from 0.03 to 1.3%.
Rose hips contain the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. A meta-analysis of human studies examining the potential for rose hip extracts to reduce arthritis pain concluded there was a small effect requiring further analysis of safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Use of rose hips is not considered an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Acerola cherry, Guarani cherry, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, and wild crepe myrtle. The drupes are juicy and high in vitamin C (3–46 mg/g or 1.5–20 grains per ounce) and other nutrients.
