

Other alternative weight loss supplements include green tea extract (EGCG) and glucomannan. This amount of caffeine is roughly equal to four or five cups of coffee. You’re more likely to experience side effects if you take products containing 400 milligrams or more caffeine per day. If you do decide to purchase an Ephedra-free alternative, be sure to review the labels to see if caffeine content is listed. But despite being Ephedra-free, these products can cause adverse effects similar to those of Ephedra-containing products. The caffeine content is typically higher than that of coffee or soft drinks. Many manufacturers substitute other botanicals, such as bitter orange, in place of Ephedra.Įphedrine-free supplements often incorporate more than one source of caffeine. Since the ban on Ephedra-containing products, many Ephedra-free supplements have appeared on the market. Depending on the state you’re in, you may only purchase up to 9 grams within a 30-day period. There’s also a limit to how much ephedrine you can purchase. Ephedrine sales are highly regulated, requiring the buyer to present a valid photo ID and sign for the purchase. However, ephedrine itself is still legal in the United States. Food and Drug Administration to ban the sale of Ephedra-containing dietary supplements in 2004. Using ephedrine alone or in combination with caffeine may cause:
#ECA STACK FAT LOSS PROFESSIONAL#
Considering these results and the safety factor, it’s prudent to consult with a medical professional before trying any supplements for weight loss.Īlthough a review of 52 controlled clinical trials on ephedrine usage found no direct link to serious adverse effects, there have been cases of severe events, including heart attacks, strokes, death, and mental health issues as a result of ephedrine product use complicated by other factors.įurther studies are required to determine if there is a definitive correlation between these products and these serious adverse events. In the review, ephedrine products showed more weight loss than herbal medicines, but less weight loss than FDA-approved prescription medications currently on the market. Although some studies have shown a modest short-term (one to two hours) effect on athletic performance, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects.Ī 2021 meta-analysis concluded that ephedrine products may be beneficial for weight loss, but patients need to be carefully monitored, particularly in regards to heart rate. Participants taking this combination lost approximately two more pounds per month.Įphedrine’s potential impact on athletic performance hasn’t been well-studied. Long-term use of aspirin, even in small doses, has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.Ī review of 20 trials found ephedrine to be effective as a tool for weight loss.Īlthough ephedrine was effective when used alone, ephedrine or Ephedra-containing supplements were slightly more effective when combined with caffeine. In other words, its helps maintain the stimulation effects that the caffeine and ephedrine help provide. When taken as part of an ECA stack, aspirin prevents norepinephrine levels from decreasing. Caffeine consumption can increase feelings of alertness, effectively reducing fatigue.īut when taken in large doses, caffeine can also cause:Īspirin is a pain reliever.

It’s commonly found in coffee, tea, and soft drinks. CaffeineĬaffeine is also a stimulant of both the CNS and the cardiovascular system. This makes it an important part of the fight-or-flight response during times of high stress.Įphedra also raises heart rate and can also cause constriction of blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure. Norepinephrine is used to get the body ready for action and activity. This extract stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) through release of a compound called norepinephrine.

It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is also referred to as “ma huang.” Ephedrine is derived from the Ephedra plant.
