Evaluating krill oil, weight loss products from Dr. Oz

PRIME November 2012 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist/Business Representative for the Herbarium This month, we look at some new products that are garnering a lot of attention in the press. Krill oil has been touted as the hot new way to get your Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) – and there was a time when I felt "whatever way you get your EFA's is fine" – but that has changed recently. Krill is a tiny crustacean that is very low on the food chain. It has been harvested and used as a food product for many years, notably by the Russians and the Japanese. Recently, krill harvesting has also become a small but growing trend for people looking to get a "cleaner" source of omega 3s. Research shows krill contains less omega 3 than fish body oil, but contains a phospholipid which allows for better absorption. At this point I have to wonder if all this work is really worth it. Krill oil is expensive, as the creatures are very tiny and have to be specially processed to remove high amounts of fluoride, which can be toxic. Economically it seems a lot of expense for a relatively small benefit. Fish oil has been working just fine for a long time. Do we really need to over harvest the lowest levels of the food chain for all this? As I was pondering this, my daughter voiced her concern about the long-term effects of harvesting creatures at the bottom of the world's food chain, and told me she was uncomfortable with promoting the sale of krill oil. The more I thought about it, the more I was uncomfortable with it, too. Haven't we had enough examples of over harvesting of a species? Think of the buffalo. No one in 1880 would have believed the massive heard of buffalo could be driven to near-extinction. In doing some research on krill, I found that it is very sensitive to climate change, pollution, and algae blooms. I am not comfortable with messing with the bottom of the food chain. If we screw that up, the ripple effect up the line could be horrendous. The Herbarium will stock some krill oil for people who have to have it for medical reasons, but I am not a promoter of the product, and hope to find a better alternative. The human race just cannot afford to mess with our food chain and Mother Nature any more than we already have. Weight loss on "Dr. Oz" Recently, I have been bombarded by questions on weight loss products that have been talked about on the "Dr. Oz" TV program. As much as I like the good doctor, I have a feeling his staff is struggling to find guests to fill his time. Here is a quick primer on some of the weight loss products that have been promoted on his program recently. African Mango: This is a soluble fiber that slows digestion, absorption of dietary sugars, helps to lower LDL cholesterol numbers and triglycerides. Konjac root or glucomannan: This water-soluble fiber helps create a full feeling in the stomach. It appends to bile acids and eliminates them through bowel movements. It is very similar to the African Mango. Hoodia gordonii: This is a cactus from Southern Africa used by indigenous people for stamina. It essentially increases the satisfied message from the liver to the brain. Green coffee bean: This works to reduce the absorption of fat and glucose in the gut, and also reduces insulin levels, which would improve metabolic function. Raspberry ketones: This is the most questionable product yet. In 30 years in this business, we had never heard of Raspberry ketones as a weight loss product. This was a red flag. Websites claim this is a natural product, but all my research has shown it is a synthetic, and nearly all of it is sourced from China. My research shows raspberry ketones is a flavoring agent, not a weight loss product of any value. One website that alleges to be independent says look for a natural product, from the United States, and do not believe anyone saying you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days. So I went to a site that certifies natural ketones. The first thing on the website proclaims you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days! Other evidence indicates many of these raspberry ketones products are adulterated with ephedrine and other chemicals. Results from using the stuff is spotty at best. There are plenty of weight loss products available, with proven results and at reasonable prices. We at Herbarium will not sell raspberry ketones. We will not trade our integrity for a few quick dollars. That is our promise. – Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.