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Guaraná for Weight Control

Why Use

Guaraná

Why Do Dieters Use It?*

Some dieters say that guaraná helps improve weight loss results.

What Do the Advocates Say?*

The herb guaraná contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline; these compounds may curb appetite and increase weight loss. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include central nervous system stimulation, increased metabolic rate, and a mild diuretic effect.1 In a double-blind trial, 200 mg per day of caffeine was, however, no more effective than a placebo in promoting weight loss.2 Because of concerns about potential adverse effects, many doctors do not advocate using caffeine or caffeine-like substances to reduce weight.

*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.

Dosage & Side Effects

Guaraná

How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters?

Guaraná contains substances similar to caffeine that could be responsible for caffeine-like responses in the body, including central nervous system stimulation, increased metabolic rate, and a mild diuretic effect.3 There is no research demonstrating guaraná is effective for weight loss on its own.

Side Effects

As with any caffeinated product, guaraná may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, and urinary frequency.4 Guaraná should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • none

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required

  • Caffeine

    Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is a plant with a high caffeine content. Combining caffeine drug products and guaraná increases caffeine-induced side effects.

More Resources

Guaraná

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.