A newly popular diet supplement uses extracts from green coffee beans to stimulate weight loss. While no one is certain how it works, green coffee bean extract, which contains the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA), has been demonstrated to help consumers lose weight, even without changes in diet and exercise. For many Americans, this is great news – assuming that the supplement they are buying actually contains the represented amount of the extract. But according to a recent report from Consumer Lab, several of the more popular green coffee bean extracts may contain far less of the extract than the manufacturers claim. Every study that has been conducted on green coffee bean extract has demonstrated a measurable amount of weight loss when compared to a placebo, sometimes as much as three pounds per month. While scientists are uncertain as to why green coffee bean extract causes weight loss, some speculate that it inhibits enzymes that stimulate glucose production. When glucose production is reduced, the body uses stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss. Of course, these studies presume that consumers are taking an adequate amount of the extract. Recently, Consumer Lab reported that at least four major green coffee bean extract supplements contained far less than was represented or expected. According to Consumer Lab:
- Futurebiotics Green Coffee Bean Extract contained only 81.2% of the represented amount;
- MaritzMayer Laboratories Pure Super Green Coffee Bean Extract Double Strength contained only 6.2% of the expected amount;
- Nutri-Fusion Systems Green Coffee Bean Extract contained no detectible amount of CGA;
- Pure Health naturally Pure Green Coffee Bean contained only 28.9% of the CGA Consumer Lab expected.
If Consumer Lab is correct, these supplement makers are shortchanging their customers, which is unlawful under various consumer protection laws. If you or someone you know purchased these green coffee bean extract supplements, please contact us to discuss your legal options.