Metabolife, an entirely different product, contains many herbs, vitamins, minerals and other questionable ingredients, including royal jelly, algae and bee pollen. The main concern with Metabolife centers on the herb ma huang. For centuries, Chinese herbalists have used ma huang, also known as ephedra, for the early stages of respiratory infections and for certain types of asthma. Traditionally, it was never intended for extended use. Around the turn of the century, the active compound, ephedrine, was isolated from ma huang, making way for modern asthma treatments.
Ephedrine mimics the effects of adrenaline.
Symptoms include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation and insomnia. According to the FDA, exceedingly high doses have caused 38 deaths. Aim for no more than 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week. For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Cooperative Extension office . Go to top of this page.