The recent ban on ephedra in the United States has challenged the makers of many fat-burning products, requiring them to replace ephedra, proven harmful to a significant percentage of the individuals who used it, with safer, more natural ingredients. But the many who had used ephedra-based products for years with seemingly no complications and who touted the drug for its fat-burning and weight-loss results have been eager to discover how the new wave of ephedra-free fat-burning supplements are measuring up.

According to www.powerthinphase2.com, Power Thin Phase II, which was created immediately after and as a result of the ephedra ban in efforts to successfully replace the original, ephedra-based Power Thin, the new product increases energy and metabolism, curbs appetite and reduces water retention, much in the same way as the original Power Thin. Advantra Z, or citrus aurantium, is a key ingredient, said to increase metabolism, stimulate thermogenesis, increase weight-loss, energy and even athletic performance. Other active ingredients in the new Power Thin Phase II include: caffeine, for appetite suppression and the release of free fatty acids for use as energy; green tea leaf extract, for its antioxidants and EGCG, shown to help maintain a higher metabolic rate while protecting the body from free radical damage; cocoa seed extract, for appetite suppression, antioxidants and phytonutrients and the release of free fatty acids to use as energy; Maca (lepidium meyenii peruvianum radix), an adaptagenic herb from Peru used for its ability to stimulate energy, balance hormones, relieve stress, and improve athletic performance; yerba mate leaf, a South American herb and an adaptogenic in nature which helps with weight-loss, reduces stress, increases energy, and acts as a gentle diuretic and colon cleanser; and quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for supporting fat-burning; as well as other herbs and natural ingredients.

One of the unwelcomed side effects of taking ephedra — feeling jittery and anxious — may be significantly reduced in many of the new products. However, with an increase in the amount of caffeine in some of the lines to compensate for the lack of ephedra, some individuals will need a little time to get used to the added stimulus. “After about one week [of taking fat-burners on a daily basis], the body will adjust,” says Smoothie Factory’s Brent Marcantel.

In some of the other fat-burning products on the market “ephedra was replaced with synephrine,” according to Marcantel, “which doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier,” which, he says, was the danger of using ephedra. Some of the fat-burning supplements Marcantel recommends include those from the makers of OSMO, EAS and La Brada, all available at both of Smoothie Factory’s Austin locations.

“We have, without a doubt, the best stuff on the market — now that ephedra is off the market,” says Smoothie Factory Owner Mark Friez.

But most retailers are quick to tell buyers that fat-burners are not “the magic pill.”

“You can’t just eat everything you want and expect to see results,” Marcantel says. A good diet and regular exercise are always important for optimum results.