Why pAGG is Not Worth the Money

GNC recently signed a contract to exclusively market a new diet supplement called pAGG in its 1900 stores. PAGG is an acronym for its ingredients policosanol, alpha-lipoic acid, decaffeinated green tea, aged garlic extract and biotin. So is this the next weight loss miracle supplement? This supplement was recently discussed in the New York Times Bestseller The 4-Hour Body and its supplier NewHealth Solutions says to look no further for a fast and effective way to lose weight. I say let’s take a closer look.

It’s hard to know where to begin on this one. I see a lot of red flags. Policosanol is a mixture of fatty alcohol most commonly made from sugar cane wax. This product has been extensively studied in Cuba and is used there as a cure for almost anything. Policosanol is indicated for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Not only have many trials shown that policosanol does not significantly decrease cholesterol levels but that it also could increase the risk of bleeding, specifically from the gums or nose. Fish oils may be a better alternative to achieve healthy cholesterol levels.

Garlic is another ingredient used in this supplement to support heart health but it also has blood thinning effects further increasing your risk of bleeding or possibly increasing the amount of time it would take for your blood to clot after getting cut. This does not appear to be a well thought out combination. This supplement should not be taken by anyone who are on blood thinners like warfarin or Coumadin.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that has been used in helping decrease blood glucose and decrease insulin resistance in diabetics. Lowering glucose levels usually leads to weight loss. PAGG touts that it uses decaffeinated green tea but studies have shown that green tea is less effective without the caffeine. Biotin is believed to help with fat metabolism and possibly decreasing blood glucose levels to promote weight loss.

PAGG comes in two forms: an all-day tablet and a nighttime tablet. The all-day tablet contains biotin, green tea extract, (R)-alpha lipoic acid, and aged garlic extract. The nighttime tablet has policosanol, biotin, garlic and (R)-alpha lipoic acid.

Don’t expect this supplement to come cheap. You’ll be shelling out 60 dollars a month, which you could invest into healthier food choices or some personal training sessions. Currently, the product is being used in a new weight loss reality show called Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is where contestants are rewarded with cash the more weight they lose. Personally, I think some interval training and a low calorie diet is what is getting them results. Save your money on this one.