GNC Meta-Ignite

Below we take an in-depth look at Meta Ignite Inferno, to see if this reformulation is effective at aiding weight loss, as claimed by the manufacturers.

GNC Meta-Ignite Review

GNC is one of the biggest supplement sellers in the USA. Whilst they sell many products manufactured by other companies, they have also launched a range of different supplements and weight loss products under their own range. One of the GNC branded thermogenic weight loss aids was called Meta Ignite, which has recently been replaced with a new formula, and has been renamed as GNC Meta Ignite.

The product is designed to work as both a daily weight loss supplement that will boost the metabolism, as well as to be used as a pre-workout supplement to boost energy levels and calorie burn throughout the consumer’s workout.

Whilst the original GNC Meta Ignite is no longer available from the GNC website, it is apparently still available from amazon, although this may only be for a limited time.

The manufacturers state that Meta Ignite Inferno is ‘proven to ignite calorie burning by 300%’. These claims are rather dramatic, with no clinical evidence offered on the product’s sales page. On the product label, here is the following disclaimer: ‘In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 25 subjects exercised on a treadmill on two occasions.

On one occasion the subjects took the thermogenic trigger blend 60 minutes before exercise and on the second occasion they took a placebo. When the subjects took the thermogenic trigger blend, they burned 300% more calories before starting their exercise compared to the placebo group. The amount of calories burned was higher in the thermogenic trigger blend before, during and up to 1 hour after exercise when compared to the placebo.’

What Does GNC Meta-Ignite Claim To Do?

The manufacturers make numerous claims about this new product. They describe Meta Ignite Inferno as an ‘Intense Neuro Metabolic Activator’, which works in following ways to aid weight loss:

• Proven to Ignite Calorie-Burning by 300%
• Delivers Razor-Sharp Focus & Intense Energy
• Triggers Vital Metabolic Factors to Maximize Thermogenic Benefits

This premium formula is now more explosive than ever working at the cellular level to impact 3 vital factors needed for the ultimate shredded physique: 300% more calorie-burning*, increased mental focus and intense energy. The clinically proven thermogenic blend boosts metabolism and drives calorie-burning over 3 hours.

So What Is GNC Meta-Ignite and What Are The Ingredients?

The ingredients used in GNC Meta Ignite Inferno are provided below. The ingredient quantities provided are per daily serving of two capsules. Each bottle contains 30 servings.

• • Niacin 20.00 mg 100% RDA: Vitamin B3, or Niacin, is responsible for helping to produce energy from consumed food, as well as helping keep the nervous and digestive systems healthy. Niacin can be easily sourced in adequate amounts from a balanced diet. Persistent excessive consumption of niacin has been linked with increased rates of obesity in American Children.
    Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874142/

Thermogenic Trigger Blend 243.34 mg

• • Caffeine Anhydrous: Numerous studies have shown that caffeine boosts energy levels and alertness, as well as mildly boosting the metabolism. The effects shown in studies are small, and some studies are inconclusive.
    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/weight-loss/expert-answers/caffeine/faq-20058459
  • Capsimax: Capsaicin, found in Capsimax, is thought by some to play a role in weight loss. Some studies suggest it could suppress the appetite mildly, whilst others suggest that the heat causes a thermogenic reaction in the body, burning more calories for a period of time. The manufacturers of Capsimax found that those who consumed 100 mg per day of the product lost significantly more fat mass and weight than those who took a placebo over a 12 week period.
    Source: http://www.omniactives.com/products/capsimax
  • Black Pepper Fruit Extract (Piperine 5 mg): Black pepper extract is used for increasing the bioavailability of nutritional compounds. In other words, it increases the amounts of nutrients that are absorbed into the body in the digestive tract. It may also increase the absorption of various drugs, which may lead to potential side effects.
    Source: http://bioperine.com/
    

Neuro-Sharp Sensory Complex

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract (24% Ginkgo Flavonglycosides = 28.8 mg) (6% Terpene Lactones = 7.2 mg) 120.00 mg: Appears to improve circulation, and may help to kill bacteria in the body that could cause infections, although it is used as an herbal remedy to treat a range of ailments.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-333-ginkgo.aspx?activeingredientid=333&activeingredientname=ginkgo

• Chloline (as Choline Bitartrate) 25.00 mg: Choline is used by bodybuilders and athletes to delay fatigue.
  Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-436-choline.aspx?activeingredientid=436&activeingredientname=choline

 

Intensity Potentiator Matrix

 

• Ginger Root Extract (5% Gingerols = 10 mg) (Zingiber officinale) 200.00 mg: Some studies suggest that ginger root is an appetite suppressant. One study used dried ginger powder to make a tea that participants drank with breakfast. Researchers found that satiety levels were much higher when the tea was consumed with breakfast, rather than just the breakfast on its own.
  Source: http://www.progressivehealth.com/ginger-for-weight-loss.htm
• White Willow Bark Extract (Salix alba) 120.00 mg: Willow bark contains salicin, which acts a painkiller, and is thought to be as effective as aspirin. There is some evidence that when taken in conjunction with kola nut and ephedra, it can cause weight loss. It does not seem to have been tested on its own for weight loss properties.
  Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-955-willow%20bark.aspx?activeingredientid=955&activeingredientname=willow%20bark
• MegaNatural 50.00 mg: This is a branded grapeseed extract. The manufacturer claims that it ‘helps support blood pressure levels that are already within normal range, helps support normal arterial function, and supports normal endothelium cell function.’
  Source: http://www.plthealth.com/products/meganatural-bp
• Cinnamon Bark Powder (Cinnamomum cassia) 30.00 mg: Several studies have found a link between cinnamon and the regulation of blood glucose levels, and it may play a small role in improving insulin sensitivity. In terms of its effects upon weight, this area has been under researched.
  Source: http://www.pbrc.edu/training-and-education/pdf/pns/PNS_Cinnamon.pdf
• resVida® Resveratrol 30.00 mg: : This ingredient is a type of polyphenol, an antioxidant. Resveratrol has been found to help prevent insulin resistance, and so indirectly could have implications for weight loss in some patients. However, as yet this has not been confirmed conclusively through clinical trials. It is thought that antioxidants in general promote general health and wellness.
  Source: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/resveratrol-supplements
• Palmitoylethanolamide 25.00 mg: This fatty acid has been shown to reduce allergic reactions and inflammation in animals along with influenza symptoms in humans. As preliminary studies show it can reduce inflammation caused by trauma, it could potentially reduce pain and swelling after exercise.
  Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22697514
• Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract 10.00 mg: Test tube and animal research suggests that HCA, the active compound in Garcinia Cambogia, may be helpful in weight loss because of its effects on metabolism. Whilst some studies have found it has no effect upon either appetite or metabolic rate, others showed increased weight loss compared to the use of a placebo.
  Source: http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21727/
• Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis) 10.00 mg: Green tea is high in a group of antioxidants called catechins. Studies have suggested that catechins and caffeine both increase energy expenditure by boosting the metabolism slightly for few hours.
  Source: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/70/6/1040.full

 

So What Does All This Mean?

Caffeine is known to mildly increase the body’s metabolic rate temporarily, as well as providing an increase to energy levels. However, its effects are still relatively mild. Capsimax is a branded cayenne pepper supplement that it designed to increase thermogenesis in the body, burning more calories in the process; whilst the relative clinical trials are promising, they were all performed by the manufacturers of this branded ingredient.

Bioperine may increase the uptake of some of the ingredients used in this diet pill, making them more effective for the same dosage, but it can also affect the absorption of other medications, leading to a risk of accidental overdose.

Ginger root may act as an appetite suppressant when drank as a tea, but it has not been tested for this property in other forms. It is also renowned for having other health benefits.

There are several ingredients used in this diet pill that will not directly aid weight loss, but may be useful to consumers who are exercising regularly, by delaying fatigue, helping to reduce inflammation, increasing energy levels, and improving blood circulation.

Resveratrol may have anti-oxidant benefits to general health, but there is no confirmed link between it and weight loss. The studies that have investigated Garcinia Cambogia have had mixed results, with one study finding that the placebo group lost more weight than the Garcinia cambogia taking group, demonstrating that it appears to be an unreliable ingredient at best.

Green tea may aid mild weight loss when taken in sufficient quantities, but its effects are still considered to be relatively small. The quantities used in this supplement are tiny compared to the amounts used in successful clinical trials.

Does GNC Meta-Ignite Have Any Side Effects?

There are numerous ingredients used in GNC Meta Ignite Inferno that could cause a variety of side effects.

Caffeine consumption can lead to headaches, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, increased urination, dehydration, jitteriness, dizziness and insomnia.

Bioperine increases the absorption rate of many ingredients, including caffeine, and so may make the side effects of these ingredients more likely or worse. Consumers who are taking medication are also more at risk of overdose because of this higher absorption rate, and so should consult their doctor before taking any product that contains bioperine or pepper extracts.

Garcinia Cambogia can cause nausea, stomach cramps and headaches. Cayenne extracts such as capsimax could cause increased sweating, indigestion, stomach cramps and heart burn. However, the manufacturers of Capsimax claim that it has been designed to minimise the chances of side effects by being absorbed in the intestines, rather than being fully digested and absorbed in the stomach.

Any GNC Meta-Ignite Reviews From Customers?

This product has been relaunched recently as a new product. At the time of writing there were no available customer reviews or feedback for the updated formula, with only a few reviews for the original formula Meta Ignite which is largely no longer available.

So Does GNC Meta-Ignite Work?

Without any customer reviews to indicate what an average customer’s experience with the product may be, we can rely only upon the ingredients list and the clinical trial description provided on the products label.

The clinical study referenced on the bottle’s label is referred to very loosely in the company’s marketing of the product. It is claimed that Meta Ignite Inferno is ‘proven to ignite calorie burning by 300%’, although it appears that this is only at some point during the first hour of taking the product; 300% is a dramatic way of stating three times the number of calories burnt, but no total or average figure is provided, making it unclear how much this product could really contribute to weight loss.

There is also no information provided about how long the participants of the trial exercised for, making it difficult to establish just how long the product will affect fat burning and increase the metabolism for.

The ingredients list suggests that the product could increase the body’s metabolism and thermogenic output for a few hours following consumption of the product. Again, it is difficult to establish how much of a difference this could make to weight loss, although with long term use in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet and regular exercise, it is likely to increase the consumer’s rate of weight loss somewhat.

There are also ingredients used in this diet pill that could assist regular exercisers with their energy levels, as well as delaying fatigue and muscle pains or soreness. This could help consumers to push themselves further with exercise, allowing them to therefore burn more calories.

Where Can I Buy GNC Meta-Ignite?

GNC Meta Ignite Inferno is available from the GNC website, and selected GNC stores. Prices in store may vary. Online a single bottle of 60 capsules, enough for 30 days of use, will cost $49.99 plus delivery. Customers who have a GNC membership card can purchase the product for the reduced price of $44.99 plus delivery.

What About A Guarantee

GNC offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. The bottle states that customers should return the unused portion of the product to a GNC store with their receipt within the 30 day period, for either a refund or assistance in selecting a replacement product.

Watchdog Verdict

Overall, we believe that the amazing qualities of this product are overstated by GNC, by carefully selecting and manipulating the results of one small clinical study that has not been published. The product information does suggest that GNC Meta Ignite Inferno could aid some weight loss over time through increasing the metabolism, but customers who are expecting a 300% increase in calorie burn without reading the small print on the label are ultimately likely to be disappointed.

As the small print points out, the 300% increase in calorie burn lasts for less than an hour after taking the product, although the metabolism is increased for a few hours after consumption. The ingredients list also suggests that some side effects are possible.

As the product is fairly new, there are no customer reviews at this time. The price seems to be fairly steep, although this may be because it is a new product, and this could reduce over time. GNC do offer a 30 day money back guarantee, provided the customer remembers to keep the product receipt.

Overall, GNC Meta Ignite Inferno does not live up to the marketing pitch and claims made both on the sales website and product bottle, but it could be a potential option for a pre-workout supplement. Customers should remember to limit their expectations of this product, and not raise their hopes for a miracle fat burning weight loss supplement.

Whilst it is an ‘ok’ product, we cannot recommend GNC Meta Ignite Inferno, as it is overhyped by marketers.