The Atro-Phex® Advantage

A Scientific ascertation that examines the proprietary complexes that make up the ATRO-PHEX® formula

By Sal Abraham M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Weight management is an extremely difficult undertaking that requires regular exercise and a healthy calorie-controlled diet. Dietary supplementation, as part of a well-organized weight management plan, can help contribute to long-term weight control. Ultimately, every dieter’s goal should be long-term weight control and not just immediate gratification via quick weight loss. The term “diet” erroneously has the connotation of being short-term, when in fact it should convey the message of permanent lifestyle change or modification. This incorrect association has many origins. For instance, some athletes need to lose weight quickly in order to make a certain weight class for competition and thus use the term “diet” to describe their short-term weight loss goals. However, understanding the proper concept of diet is the first step in achieving your dream physique or body weight.

Bodybuilders and fitness competitors are weight class-dependent athletes that usually have a specific time in which they need to alter their physique for competition. The “contest-ready” physique is a temporary state, which consists of dropping body fat levels to 3-10% while simultaneously pulling extracellular water (water underneath the skin) into the intracellular space (water inside the muscle). Most bodybuilders and fitness competitors nowadays realize the importance of maintaining an appropriate body weight and fat composition in the off-season. This would consist of a body weight and body fat percentage close to their competition body weight and body fat percentage thus making the contest phase that much easier. Dietary supplementation is also very beneficial and even conditionally essential to these individuals or athletes when used in conjunction with their weight management plan.

BSN has developed an amazing dietary supplement called ATRO-PHEX®, that when used in conjunction with a weight management plan, can help achieve your desired physique or fat loss goals. It consists of one master proprietary blend, which is divided into five specific weight management complexes, or sub-proprietary blends. A proprietary blend is two or more ingredients combined so that each ingredient is working together to provide a better result than the result of each ingredient working alone. This proprietary blend includes:

1. The Adipose Atrophy & Energy Stimulator Matrix™ ATRO-EFX™
2. Mood & Mental Performance Optimizers
3. Aqua-Retic™ Matrix (Excess Water Removal Technology)
4. Insulin & Weight Management Control
5. Pro-Thyroid Amplifier

1. Adipose Atrophy & Energy Stimulator Matrix™ ATRO-EFX™

■ beta-Phenylethylamine (β-PEA) is a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredient found in chocolate and naturally produced in the brain. β-PEA is a powerful mood and alertness enhancer and is also thought to boost the actions of the catecholamines, also known as the fight or flight compounds naturally produced by our adrenal glands.1,2 Catecholamines have many functions in the body with one function in particular being the breakdown of fat stores for energy. However, as good as (β-PEA) is, the body quickly breaks it down.1,2 To counteract this, beta-Phenylethylamine Malate (β-PEA Malate) has been included, which also enhances mood and alertness, but does not break down rapidly, thereby extending the beneficial properties of β-PEA.

■ DL-Phenylalanine is a combination of both D and L Phenylalanine and is known for its positive mood-supporting benefits.3,4 L-Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids required to form protein in the body. LPhenylalanine contributes to the formation of β-PEA and the catecholamines, which provide energy, mild stimulation, and mood support.5 β-PEA and DL-Phenylalanine are the perfect complement to each other since β-PEA boosts the actions of the catecholamines while L-Phenylalanine contributes to catecholamine formation.

■ Hordenine (N, N-dimethyl-tyramine) is a natural botanical constituent found in certain cactus, shrubs, and small trees. Hordenine is an analog of tyramine, as shown by its chemical name. Tyramine is a natural ingredient found in food and derived from the amino acid the catecholamines. Hordenine can promote mild stimulation, energy, and may prolong the actions of the catecholamines.6

■ Bioperine® Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) (fruit) is standardized for 95% piperine alkaloids. Known as "nature’s bioavailability-enhancing thermonutrient,” Bioperine® has been shown in clinical studies to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of various nutrients and dietary ingredients.7 Bioperine® is thought to enhance absorption and bioavailability by the promotion of thermogenesis, or the production of heat.7

■ Methylxanthine, or Caffeine, is a naturally occurring ingredient found in beverages like coffee and tea. Caffeine’s most notable effects are stimulation, alertness, enhanced physical performance, breakdown of fat tissue, and the removal of excess water.8,9 Another important effect may be the blocking of phosphodiesterase enzymes, which prolong or extend fat burning.10

■ i-FAS50™ (Green Tea, Tuber Fleeceflower, and Chinese Mistletoe) is a blend of three botanical ingredients designed to block fatty acid synthase, which is an enzyme complex that regulates the formation of fat in the body. Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) (leaves) contains catechins that have been shown in vivo (in or on the living tissue of a whole living organism) to block the fatty acid synthase complex.11 Tuber Fleeceflower (Polygonum Multiflorum) (root) contains various constituents such as emodin, which has been shown in vivo to block the fatty acid synthase complex.12,13 Chinese Mistletoe (Loranthus Parasiticus) (stem) contains flavonoids, quercetin, and avicularin, which also have been shown in animal studies to block the fatty acid synthase complex.14

■ Razberi-K™ (4-[4-hydroxyphenyl] butan-2 one) is a natural constituent of raspberries. More specifically, it is a raspberry ketone, which is the ingredient that gives raspberries their fruity odor. Raspberry ketones have been shown in animal studies to enhance catecholamine-induced fat burning.15

■ Naringin 99% is a natural citrus flavonoid found in grapefruit and bitter orange. Naringin mainly functions as an antioxidant and a cytochrome p450 inhibitor, thus eliminating harmful free radicals and prolonging the activity of various ingredients.16 Cytochrome p450 is an enzyme complex that regulates the amount of time an ingredient stays active in the body.

■ Advantra-Z® Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium) (fruit) 30% synephrine is a botanical ingredient patented to stimulate thermogenesis (body heat and fat burning), preserve muscle mass, and control appetite.17 Citrus Aurantium means citrus tree and its fruit. More specifically, it refers to the Seville orange, bitter orange, or sour orange, which contains various constituents. Synephrine is a natural constituent of bitter orange that contributes to the beneficial properties of Advantra-Z®.

■ Yohimbine HCL (Pausinystalia yohimbe) (tree bark) is a dietary ingredient that has been sold for decades. Yohimbe contains various natural constituents or alkaloids, the primary one of which is Yohimbine. Yohimbine HCL can be made without any chemical alteration by evaporating a tincture of the Yohimbe bark. Yohimbine is thought to block a specific receptor in the body (alpha 2 adrenergic), which turns off fat burning, thereby enhancing catecholamine stimulation and the breakdown of fat.18,19 Keep in mind that a receptor site is like a keyhole on a cell that can only be opened by a specific key (hormone or compound). Once opened, the receptor sends a message to the body to either perform or not perform a specific function. This particular receptor is found in greater quantities in the stomach and lower body.20,21

2. Mood & Mental Performance Optimizers

■ N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine Ethyl Ester Monohydrate is a derivative of the non-essential amino acid L-tyrosine. N-acetyl amino acids possess greater stability and solubility when they are being compared to basic amino acids.22 L-tyrosine is a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid found in food and used to make protein in the body. L-tyrosine is made in the body from phenylalanine and contributes to the formation of the catecholamines.

■ Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hcl) is a water soluble B vitamin involved in many biological reactions, which include the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen and the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobin, and neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 is found in foods such as meats, potatoes, starchy vegetables and noncitrus fruits. Adequate pyridoxine stores have been associated with supporting mood.23

■ Vinpocetine, a derivative of Vincamine, is a naturally occurring constituent of the periwinkle plant (Vinca Minor L.). Research suggests that it promotes blood flow to the brain, enhances glucose and oxygen use by nerve cells, and supports the memory process. 23 Clinical studies have also shown that Vinpocetine may help to maintain circulation in the ears and eyes.24

■ Vincamine is a purified extract of the botanical periwinkle (Vinca Minor L.). It is used for enhancing mental alertness and increases blood flow to the brain.25

■ Vinburnine is a naturally occurring ingredient found in the periwinkle plant (Vinca Minor L.) that enhances blood flow to the muscles. Animal research shows the effects of vinburnine, especially in oxygen release from red blood cells. Its main application as a dietary supplement is to boost the breakdown of glucose for energy.25,26

■ Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) is a water soluble B vitamin found in foods such as cereals, grains and green leafy vegetables. Folate is involved in many biological processes, which include the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Adequate folate stores have been associated with supporting mood, cognition, and weight management while also maintaining homocysteine levels already in the normal range.23,28,29,30

3. Aqua-Retic™ Matrix (Excess Water Removal Technology)

■ Juniper Berry (Juniperus Communis), also known as the common juniper, is a shrub or small tree that bears seed cones, which are known as juniper berries. Juniperus Communis extract is usually derived from juniper berries, which contain various natural constituents.27,28 Juniper berries have been shown to promote the removal of excess water, and thus act as a botanical diuretic.29

■ European Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) [aerial parts] is a yellow garden flower and wild European botanical. European Goldenrod and related species are thought to exert a fairly consistent botanical diuretic effect.34 European Goldenrod is Commission E approved for diuresis.†

■ Lovage (Levisticum officinale) [rhizome & root] pronounced [luhv-ij] is a botanical with culinary and diuretic applications. Lovage is a GRAS food additive approved for addition to food as a flavoring agent. The seed and leaves are used to flavor food and the fruit is utilized as a spice. It is a member of the Apiaceae family like Apium graveolens (celery) and Petroselinum crispus (parsley), which are thought to be botanical diuretics.35 Lovage root is Commission E approved for diuresis.†

■ Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) [leaf ] is a botanical with culinary and diuretic applications. Dandelion contains many terpenoid and sterol bitter principals. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) research has demonstrated a prominent diuretic activity in animals.36

4. Insulin & Weight Management Control

■ Cinnulin PF® is an aqueous extract of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia), which contains Uniquely Linked Proanthocyanidins, or ULPs. Proanthocyanidins are natural flavonoids that are found in cinnamon, grape seed, red wine, cranberry and green tea, etc. Researchers have found that ULPs are powerful antioxidants that eliminate harmful free radicals and may promote glucose metabolism. Clinical studies report that Cinnulin PF® maintains blood glucose (sugar), cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are already within the normal range.33,34 The regulation of insulin plays an important role in weight management and though insulin has many beneficial functions in the body, it promotes fat storage when produced in abundance.

5. Pro Thyroid Amplifier

■ 7-Keto™ (7-oxo-DHEA or 3-acetyl-7-oxodehydroepiandrosterone) is a metabolite of the natural ingredient DHEA, which does not convert into testosterone or estrogen in the body. Research has demonstrated that this compound is capable of improving the body’s calorie - and fat-burning efficiency, enhancing immunity, regulating cortisol levels and supporting insulin sensitivity.39,40,41, 42,43. In addition, 7-Keto™ has been shown to promote thyroid function by activating triiodothyronine (T3) receptor sites in the brain. The production of T3 itself is not directly affected, but the increased activity of its receptors promotes fat burning.39

■ Dicana™ is a proprietary combination of patent pending diiodothyroacetic acid isomers or amino acid metabolites. Dicana™ works by enhancing protein synthesis via calorie repartitioning, while simultaneously causing an increase in body temperature and oxygen consumption, which contributes to fat loss, without muscle breakdown.44,45,46 Dicana™ is especially unique since it is designed to do this without suppressing the body’s normal thyroid hormone production.47

To conclude, ATRO-PHEX® is an amazing dietary supplement designed for both athletes and non-athletes. When used in conjunction with a weight management plan, ATRO-PHEX® can help achieve your desired physique or fat loss goals. The master proprietary blend targets many different key areas to assist in weight management, which include fat burning, energy, mood, water balance, insulin and thyroid function. Each weight management complex or sub-proprietary blend is working together to provide a better result, as compared to the result of each ingredient working alone. This is critical since weight management is such a complex issue that encompasses so many different variables. The bottom line is this: ATRO-PHEX® is the perfect complement to a healthy individual’s long-term weight management plan.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional advice. Please seek the advice of a healthcare professional and read the warning on the label before taking this dietary supplement. The information in this article is not intended to replace medical or nutritional advice. It is not the intent of this article to diagnose or prescribe. The intent is only to offer information to help you cooperate with your healthcare professional for optimal health. Please consult your healthcare professional before starting any exercise or diet program. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any disease.

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