The amount of questions that came pouring in to my pharmacy about raspberry ketones just hours after Dr. Oz’s episode about them makes me think I need to start DVRing the show. Being in the health care field I feel it is my responsibility to stay current with the latest drug and supplement information. Dr. Oz has a tremendous influence on his audience and I feel it’s important to dig a little deeper and not just take his word for it.
Raspberry ketones work in two ways for a possible weight loss effect. They increase the metabolism by increasing the release of a hormone called norepinephrine. When I think of norepinephrine I think what would happen to me if I were being chased by a bear. My heart rate speeds up and I may even have some palpitations, there’s a good chance I’ll be running the fastest I ever have. My body is going to release some glucose into my blood to give me more energy so I can outrun this bear. I’m sure that I will feel nervous, hot and that I’ll be panting for air even after I stop running. I would imagine that at this point I would not be hankering for food because my focus is to stay alive causing my appetite to be suppressed. My vision may become blurry and I may feel the need to throw up or even feel nauseous. I may also have difficulty falling asleep after my run-in with the bear.
Now, imagine this is going on all day long – that could be you on raspberry ketones. The dose can of course be adjusted starting with 100 mg at breakfast and increasing to up to 300 mg. Although you may avoid or lessen the side effects with a lower dose you may not get the results you are looking for.
The other mechanism here is involving a protein that is found on fat cells called adiponectin. Adiponectin decreases glucose levels and has been found to be very successful in lab tests with mice regarding weight loss. Adiponectin has some ties to genetic makeup so if obesity runs in your family, lack of adiponectin might be to blame.
February is national thyroid health month and I think it’s important to think about the possible effects of a drug that increases your metabolism. This is the function that is normally controlled by the thyroid and any medication that causes an increase in this hormone could cause the thyroid to malfunction. This could lead to hypothyroidism, also known as an under-active thyroid and result in being put on prescription medication to control it. Drugs that increase metabolism that are prescription, like phentermine, are only recommended for a short time period, which is about three months. It’s hard to speculate without studies being conducted, but I would not be surprised if long-term use of raspberry ketones could have an effect on thyroid function.
With any supplement I say go in it with a grain of salt. Know that there probably will be side effects and you may not see results. Chances are you’re more likely to experience the side effects than the results.
Also Read:
Raspberry Ketones Touted as Miracle Fat Burner by Dr. Oz
Dr. Oz’s Raspberry Ketones Dismissed by Dietitian as TV Hype
February 11th, 2012
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 1, 47 total comments)Sumaya
Wed MD states that RK contains an ingredient that acts as a synthetic hormone, so if you have an undiagnosed hormone related cancer, ie: breast, ovary, it can excellerate the spread of it. I find it VERY disturbing and careless that Dr Oz makes statement that claim these products are completely safe...especially considering the effect he has on people.
posted May 19th, 2012 1:52 amSarah
Heard about RK from Dr. Oz's show and bought 2 bottles for the price of 1. Took 2 pills per day for 5 days and I got stomach stomach pains/cramps and had several bowel movements per day for about a week. Now 10 days later stomach cramps/pains and movements have let up a little bit. If not gone completely in a few days, going to see my doc. Never had these problems before.
posted May 18th, 2012 3:17 pmCynthia
I started using 100mg of RK 2x daily; after about a week I started feeling exhausted - that was the downside and the only negative side effect. On a positive note the swelling in my wrist I had for over a year from Carpal Tunnel went away. The pain returned for a day or two afterwards but the swelling was completely gone. However, I did stop taking the RK. Recently, I got bit by something and it became swollen and had a red rash. I started on the RK again, within 2 days the swelling was gone and the red rash is almost completely gone.
posted May 15th, 2012 8:50 pmRK hasn't helped me to lose weight, but it's great for inflammation.
Kristine
For someone who doesn't experience the possible side effects mentioned, I can see people saying that there is no scientific basis for the article. HOWEVER, I started taking RK a little over a week ago and in the last 2 days I have suffered EXACTLY what many of you have been posting to a T. I've had weird 'hot flashes' where my face feels on fire, feeling like my throat is thickening and it's harder to swallow, feeling a tightening in my chest, feeling sweaty....just feeling TERRIBLE overall!
posted May 11th, 2012 3:56 pmRaspberry Ketones are misleading in that they entice you by the fact that they're all-natural, derived from Raspberries....that can't 'possibly' be harmful, can it? (sarcasm)....I can tell you with conviction now that the last time I experienced these kinds of symptoms was when taking Hydroxycut YEARS ago when they still included phenphen, and I quickly ditched those.
No more RK for me. I've been eating extremely clean and exercising, so these were just supposed to be an added 'boost' to trying to get into summer shape......not worth it. I'll stick to the good old fashioned stuff.
Darlene
I really appreciate sites like this, to educate before you you try something. The sure fail safe way to lose weight is the "Ole balanced diet and exercise" Thank you
posted May 11th, 2012 11:20 amAngela C.
I had been taking RK (125 MG three times a day) and last Friday I blacked out in a restaurant. I was taken to the ER, and they ran all kinds of heart & stroke tests. When I mentioned I had started taking this, they told me to stop immediately. All my test results came back clear, but they suspect that I couldn't handle the RK. Boo...
posted May 3rd, 2012 1:27 pmMarilyn
I have been taking RK for over a month now and it has helped me loose 5 lbs. It also gives me energy however, I am having trouble sleeping at night. That is why I am up and at my computer at 5 AM this morning. Just a warning to all.
posted Apr 30th, 2012 10:05 amLou Duignan
I started to take this stuff just about five days ago. I started with one capsule which is equal to 150mg. I than went up to the normal dosage as per the bottle description of two which is equal to 300mg. The nausea is worse than when I was pregnant. I cannot take this anymore and I have not lost any weight; because I am eating bread to try to get rid of the nausea. I do not sleep well at night and my brain does not feel as sharp and my memory is terrible. I do not feel an increase in energy. I cannot wait for this to get out of my system. I would never recommend this to anybody unless they were someone I didn't like.
posted Apr 26th, 2012 5:15 pmJoanne
I am at this web site because I started taking the Raspberry Ketones 5 days ago and feel like I am dying. Shortly after taking them, I have chest pain and feel very sick to my stomach. I almost passed out at church yesterday. I could not figure out what was wrong with me, but this is the only thing that I have done. I know everyone is different and your experience may not match mine, but be cautious. This is not a good feeling.
posted Apr 23rd, 2012 11:02 pmKristin
No offense, but I thought this article and you referring to taking the RK as what your body goes through as you run from a bear was ridiculous and lacking any evidence whatsoever. You failed to talk about how the hormone norepinephrine would react while taking this drug and what it does naturally in our bodies. I understand that you are a Pharmacist, and I am a Pharm Tech. I know you went to school for several years, but you didn't learn about this topic in pharmacy school. You wrote an article with no facts, not even had tried the product and not to mention the crazy running from a bear scenario. I myself just ordered this product and will be receiving it this week and am very excited to try it. If anything you said in your article I experience, than I will be sure to let you know. But either way, I will let you all know about my results and experience with RK in about a month. Thanks.
posted Apr 21st, 2012 4:56 pmCindy
I took RK and I felt anxious and not well feels like I was am on stimulants I hate it. I only took 100 starting feeling odd about 2 hours after taking and the feeling lasts most of the day :( Dr. Oz does not tell the truth about this stuff.
posted Apr 18th, 2012 10:01 pmdeloris
my doctors advises unless you get a prescription- the doses aren't adequate in supplements like the ketones.T thanks for the articles. I am taking 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide for (hypertension) . Any adverse affects. I have purchased a bottle.
posted Apr 17th, 2012 6:57 pmPatti
I have to tell you i took Rasp Keytones in the am and at lunch for about a month. Yesterday i went into work and had such chest pain and it turned into an anxiety attack. I was so scared. If you have anxiety already do NOT take this product it makes it worse! Finally about 3pm yesterday chest pains subsided and i came home from work and fell asleep. This product revs your body up. I did lose about 3 lbs which i only wanted to lose like 6-8. I am not taking this anymore. If you read others who have had this problem also are on here. I am just going to lose by diet and exercise!
posted Apr 14th, 2012 1:08 pmHolly
For anyone in the Medical field would say that if there is not enought substantial research on a supplement, then there should not be a chance taken on the product. I work in retail supplements and have had many many people come in for Dr. Oz products. The one thing about Dri. Oz show is that is generlized and research is on "Healthy Adults." This means not on people with pre-existing conditions which most adults have, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and thyroid. In addition this is a fad diet. Most supplements are considered natrual and safe but the are not monitored by FDA. For Raspberry Ketones, the actual compound is FDA generally recognized as safe for additive use in foods and drinks, but not at a dietary supplement.
posted Apr 11th, 2012 3:11 pmJay
If you watched the RK segment then you know Dr. Oz had a guest on the show that was informing him on the benefit of taking RK. The guest stated you should start with 100mg at breakfast. So if you are taking 500mg, taking it before bed, etc. - then you are NOT using it right. There are 100mg caps sold in bottles of 60 and they were easy to find. They said to do the research and find a good quality brand. I see multiple brands splashing Dr. Oz's name but that does NOT mean he is endorsing anyone. RK is found in quite a few fat burner pills that have been around for a while but now the idea is to take that by itself. FYI If you are on thryoid meds it takes a couple of weeks for you to be off of it before your body regulates. So Helen, for example, you first should have consulted your endo. and then once you got the approval to get off your meds. and waited the rt. amount of time for those meds to be off your system - then try the RK at 100mg. Lastly, Dr. Oz brought up the guest and her RK segment when it was time to discuss what those that gain weight all over should focus on adding to their diet. I am not saying everything Dr. Oz says is going to work for everyone because everyone's body is different, but please stop the bad mouthing. This article is one sided and to the extreme for your 'average bear' (like that one? ;-D).
posted Apr 6th, 2012 4:45 pmRobin
I can't help but think there may be some propaganda involved here. I have been taking RK for about 3 weeks now. Yes, I feel my metabolism has 'revved' up and I feel warmer than usual. I have also lost 4 lbs. I don't feel jittery or like my heart is pounding (or that I was chased by a bear...WHICH, by the way, would cause ADRENALINE to surge through your body) I have not felt this with the RK. Yes, EVERYONE is different!! I still eat, I don't feel deprived or starved. I do feel it curbs my appetite, but in no way makes me not want to eat.
posted Mar 15th, 2012 5:18 pmDavid
Who wrote the initial article re ketones? Could I see the information/research discussing how ketones produce
posted Mar 13th, 2012 7:53 pmCheryl Stephenson
Hi about raspberry ketones and synthroid, I have, (had) Graves, had ablation,am now on synyhroid 0.15mg and liothyronine 5mcg,I have been taking raspberry ketones for 4 days started to have hot flashes and heart palpitations like when my thyroid was hyper,
posted Mar 1st, 2012 7:04 pmkimi
I bought a bottle of rasberry ketone contain with green tea. I break the capsule in half and I still have too much stimulant . be careful if you are taking this drug. I could not sleep well at night.
posted Feb 28th, 2012 4:34 amHelen
I am a 73 year old woman. The Raspberry Keytones I used was 125mg. I took one in the morning. I had stopped my thyroid med, cause it said do not take if on thyroid med. I took it for three days. My body felt like it was humming, and I could not get a real good sleep, kept hearing this motor going. So I tossed the bottle. At this point in life, being fat is not so terrible Just glad to be alive.
posted Feb 25th, 2012 6:45 pmKelly
I agree with sonny, you are making huge presumptions about potential side affects (and maybe even causing some placebo ones as well with some of your readers!). I have been taking raspberry ketones for a week now. I started with the 500mg dose, because that's all I could get, with the rush of sales attributed to this product being on the Dr. Oz show. I have not experienced any of the 'side effects' you describe, that are related to the release of norepinephrine. If anything, my resting heart rate has decreased and I'm sleeping better. I think it is just as dangerous (and irresponsible) to make unsubstantiated statements about a product, as it is to try every product that claims to be the miracle cure for fat loss. I do think you need to do your own research and if you decide to buy, do so from an established manufacturer.
posted Feb 24th, 2012 3:52 pmJOANNE
It is so nice to read an up to date on raspberry ketones. I saw the same Dr Oz show and immediately rushed and ordered some. All they said was that it 'eats fat'! Of course @ 61 I need to shed some fat! It took me 4 days to figure out what was wrong with me. I feel so naive for not researching better and stopping right away. I thought I was having real heart problems, my throat felt huge and so did my head,my eyes were bulging and red. I felt like I was having a constant hot flash or? It was a terrible 4 days and almost went to the ER....if I only had insurance I would have gone. Dr Oz does have great advice and introduces all of us to new things...this is not one of them.
posted Feb 21st, 2012 10:21 pmAbby
I have a diseased thyroid. What would be the effect of raspberry ketones on me? I have a diseased thyroid and take the generic of synthroid. What would be the effect on me?
Cindy D
I saw the episode with Dr. Oz and Strawberry ketone. I went out but could not find them so I ordered them over the internet. He did mention that the dose taken shoud be 250mg at breakfast. This is the dose I ordered. I have not experienced any side effects and I am not a very big person either. Oh well, is there any safe anymore? Now organic brown rice can cause cancer I say "what ever"!
posted Feb 17th, 2012 11:02 pmletty
I'm a type 1 diabetic, are raspberry keytones safe for me?
posted Feb 17th, 2012 4:52 amamelia
thanks for writing this article. the whole bear analogy was weird but you described what i was feeling. I took raspberry ketone pills and immediately i started to feel nauseous, sick and wanted to vomit really bad. my heart beat sped up, i was repulsed by food and had a really hard time sleeping. i lessened the dosage and the side effects also lessened a bit. i am really disappointed that Dr.oz didn't give more information on these pills.
posted Feb 16th, 2012 12:16 ammstazs
hi iam on synthroid will raspberry ketone have affect on me if i take it
posted Feb 15th, 2012 11:26 pmLisa
Is it safe to take raspberry ketone after a thyroidectomy? Thyroid and Raspberry Ketone-- So I had a thyroidectomy 6 years ago due to several thyroid storms which I understand are rare and quite possibly deadly if not treated quickly. I take .88 mcg of Synthroid..I do have a call into the dr about this..but maybe you can help..is this safe for me to take?
Utty
The most effective thing I have done to lose weight is I gave up my car. I now try to bike everywhere. I do bus sometimes but I am doing that less and less. I am losing weight steadily and if I never buy a car again I will probably keep it off. It's one of the best things I have ever done. I save a lot of money too.
posted Feb 15th, 2012 6:09 pmjayla
I appreciate your comments and will take them with a grain of salt as well as any recommendations of Dr. Oz. I found raspberry ketones from a company that clearly lists the amount of raspberry ketones, 200mg plus 315mg of green tea extract. I am working out vigorously(aerobics & weight training) and am watching my diet. Anything that can give me a bit of an edge, I'll try.
posted Feb 15th, 2012 12:24 pmmaya
I would not worry about the dosage as I'm pretty sure there is not even 100mg in the brands sold out there. I think a common problem with these supplements is that they advertise the ingredient being effective but then there is not enough of it in the bottle to make a difference. Dr.Oz show is the same way, great you introduce us to this but without saying which brand to purchase, it's only hours of google search with no results. Do you have any recommendations for a trusted pharmaceutical company that produces super fruit supplements?
posted Feb 14th, 2012 11:13 pmThanks!
Utty
I got some raspberry ketone pills on ebay from a company called Curease. There was no expiration date or manufacturer's information. I took some over the course of a couple of days and my throat is on fire. My stomach is burning. I feel so sick. I don't know why this is happening. My eyes are irritated and so is my nose. My tongue burns too. I will now stop taking them. Anyone else experience this? Thanks
posted Feb 14th, 2012 10:02 pmTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Care to instead expound on the side effects of FAT ... while being chased by the same bear?
posted Feb 14th, 2012 9:49 pmIt's the fat I'm trying to get rid of ... my 44 mag will take care of the bear.
sonny
You offer no more proof of the so called side effects or results as Dr. oz has. If a bear chased me is you thought back by nothing.
posted Feb 14th, 2012 2:00 amRamona williams
m beginning to believe that Dr. Oz is an endorser of products.
posted Feb 14th, 2012 12:24 amKatie
Hi There, great article! Are you saying that for patients with a thyroid condition, they shouldn't take this supplement? Is it sounds like you run the risk of blowing out your adrenals. Moreover, if you have hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease, I'm concerned about a thyroid storm as a result of this.
posted Feb 13th, 2012 8:44 pmAny additional info is appreciated. I'm off to do more research.
Thanks,
K
Danielle
thanks for this article. i watched that dr.oz episode and wasnt so convincing of it. im a type one diabetic and i try very hard to eat healthy and exercise so i dont let things get out of control and have complications from the diabetes. when i was first diginosted with diabetes i had alot of ketones in my urine. which means i was losing sugar an energy source and my body was using fat instead. you also lose alot of body fluid because of this and become dehydrated. i also get tested for thyroid problems just in case.
posted Feb 13th, 2012 7:58 pmso your article helped. every medication has some kind of side affect(s), its just really your body on how it reacts to it. this raspberry ketone thing to me isnt worth it
Emily
I very much appreciate the article going over side effects of this supplement. It was said over and over again on the Dr. OZ show that there were no side effects and I would have been petrified that something was wrong with with me if I had such an adrenaline rush reaction.Thank you for putting more information out!
posted Feb 13th, 2012 5:25 pmDaisykav
Thanks, I hadn't seen much information regarding how this might affect someone with hypothyroidism. Glad my gut instinct to steer clear of this seems to be on point.
posted Feb 12th, 2012 6:35 pmELEONOR
Will my thyroid condition worsen if I take raspberry ketone? I have had hypo thyroid for the last 17 years... I take one pill a day "Syntroid". I need to lose weight. I read the article that explains the side effects of taking "Raspberry Ketone Side Effects May Impact Thyroid Health". I have hypo thyroid and I'm taking medication for it "Syntroid"... what happens if I decide to take the raspberry ketone? Will my thyroid condition worsen? I'd appreciated if you can respond to my concern. Thanks, Eleonor
Judy
So why don't you tell us all about the side effects of adiponectin.
posted Feb 12th, 2012 12:53 amLinda
Well written, informative, concise and fair. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
posted Feb 11th, 2012 10:27 pmDolly
Did you personally try the raspberry ketone or are you speaking on what you read?
posted Feb 11th, 2012 8:15 pmHMichaelH
The author of this article leaves one with the impression taking Raspberry Ketones daily has same impact on your system as being chased by a bear. I don't think that is realistic, and I question the analogy presented here. I bet you would have to take one hell of a lot of this supplement to get the "Chased Bear" syndrome!
posted Feb 11th, 2012 8:10 pmjeanne kowal
Thank you for your Raspberry Ketone information. I have hypothyroidism, on thyroxine daily so I'm glad your information prevented me from ordering this product.
posted Feb 11th, 2012 7:26 pmAngela
I have hypothyroidism, can rasberry ketones make my condition worse? I have hypothyroidism,can rasberry ketones make my condition worse,or help and also aid with weight loss?
Mick
Good article.
posted Feb 11th, 2012 5:36 pmI do not trust Dr. Oz. He goes on TV promoting a natural lifestyle and then also goes out and promotes the H1N1 vaccine. He is what you would call 'controlled opposition'.
Thanks.