Here’s our review of Phena Lean pills for thermogenesis and weight loss. Phena Lean is a popular weight loss supplement that is claimed to help you burn fat faster with its blend of natural and science-backed ingredients. But does it really work? Our team inspects its ingredients to find out!
Pros
- Contains several effective fat burners
- Multiple sources of caffeine to enhance your energy levels
- L-Theanine helps to smoothen out some negative effects of stimulants
Cons
- Lack of appetite suppressants such as Glucomannan and chromium
- Missing one of the best natural thermogenic ingredients – green tea extract
- Contains 2 additional stimulants besides caffeine, raising the risk of negative side effects
- Proprietary blend is a red flag
Phena Lean Review at a Glance:
Phena Lean is a natural dietary supplement intended to help you lose weight. But how well does it work? In our experience, the results from Phena Lean are all but glamurous. It contains several stimulants – including caffeine, Rauwolscine, and Synephrine. Together, these will give off an illusion that the fat burner works. However, in reality, all it does it jack up your energy levels and lead to a crash afterwards. There is no reason to use so many aggressive stimulants when you can achieve safe, sustainable fat loss results with better natural ingredients. The biggest problem with Phena Lean, though, is that it doesn’t show ingredient doses on the label – which makes the price of $59.99 per bottle look like a total rip-off to us. There are more effective and safer thermogenics on the market today, without a doubt.
About Phena Lean
Phena Lean by Anabolic Warfare is marketed as an “extreme diet aid” that will help you burn fat naturally.
It is designed with a blend of ingredients and fast-release technology to keep your energy levels up all day and support your weight loss goals.
A combination of Lean GBB, Paradoxine, and Cayenne Pepper amongst others is claimed to trigger thermogenesis in your body; making you burn calories and reduce bloating.
Caffeine, L-Theanine, and L-Tyrosine are included in the supplement to help boost your mental focus so you can stay on target with your goals.
These benefits sound pretty impressive! It looks like Phena Lean is not just a fat-burning supplement, but also a mental enhancer. This is good to see, because the mental aspect of dieting is just as important as everything else.
However, there’s not a lot of talk about appetite suppression on the Anabolic Warfare website. Will Phena Lean also help you reduce your overall calorie intake, or is it strictly a “fat-burning” supplement? Is it safe, well-dosed, and effective? How does it compare to competitors? We find out below – read on!
How to Use Phena Lean
Phena Lean contains 60 capsules per bottle. The official dosage instructions are to take 1 capsule in the morning to start with. If you feel you can tolerate its stimulants, you can safely take up to 2 capsules of Phena Lean per day.
Phena Lean Ingredient Analysis
Here is the look at the label of Phena Lean:
In case that image doesn’t load properly, here’s a list of the ingredients in Phena Lean:
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (25mg)
- Thermogenic Blend (766mg), consisting of:
- Caffeine Anhydrous (dose unknown)
- Ginseng Powder (dose unknown)
- Theobromnine (dose unknown)
- L-Theanine (dose unknown)
- Di-Caffeine Malate (dose unknown)
- Bitter Orange Extract (dose unknown)
- LeanGBB (Gamma butyrobetaine) (dose unknown)
- Grains of Paradise (dose unknown)
- L-Tyrosine (dose unknown)
- Cayenne Pepper powder (dose unknown)
- Rauwolscine (dose unknown)
- Huperzine A (dose unknown)
The first and most obvious thing is that we can only see the dose of vitamin B3 in Phena Lean. All the other ingredients are lumped together as a single proprietary blend. As a result, you’re only able to see the total dose of these ingredients combined, but not their individual dosages.
This is a problem for a number of reasons. One is that you can’t tell if the doses are effective. You also can’t tell if they’re safe.
Phena-Lean caffeine amount is what concerns us the most. The dose could be as high as 500mg or more without us knowing. And the problem is, if caffeine is dosed too high, it can lead to severe side effects.
Another issue is that caffeine isn’t the only stimulant that Phena Lean contains. There’s also Rauwolscine, which is a highly controversial stimulant – and even worse, we don’t know its dosage either.
Don’t get us wrong – Phena Lean does contain some great ingredients as well. For example, cayenne pepper extract is one of our top-rated natural thermogenic on the market. It can help you burn more calories from stored body fat throughout the day. But not knowing its dosage, much like with the majority of other ingredients in Phena Lean, makes it impossible to tell if it’s properly dosed. For all we know, Phena Lean’s proprietary blend could be 95% filler ingredients, and only 5% effective compounds. We don’t say this is the case for certain, but it’s what makes sense for some manufacturers from a profit standpoint.
Okay, let’s now have a closer look at each individual ingredient in Phena Lean. We will see how it works, if it is safe, and what science says about it. In the end, we’ll tell you our final thoughts on Phena Lean’s formula as a whole and whether it has any merit. Make sure to post any questions below in the comment section.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (25mg)
Phena Lean is not off to a great start with Vitamin B3. Also known as niacin, it has been shown to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This could make it beneficial for people with cardiovascular health issues. The problem is, one side effect of niacin supplementation is increased insulin resistance. And this, by consequence, can lead to poor blood sugar regulation and the inability to lose weight, among other issues. We don’t think supplementing niacin is a good idea anyways, as it’s found in a variety of foods, and as a result, a deficiency in it is rare.
Caffeine Anhydrous (dose unknown)
Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant that is found in many products. It is often used as a weight-loss agent because it can suppress appetite and improve mood. It works by triggering your stress-hormone receptors, revving up your metabolism in the process. But, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Caffeine is known to induce jitters, anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations in higher doses, and especially in people who don’t tolerate it well.
Ginseng Powder (dose unknown)
Ginseng is a plant with a variety of studied health benefits. However, the degree of benefit depends on the type of plant. There are different types of Ginseng, each growing in different parts of the world. There’s Siberian Ginseng, there’s Korean Red Ginseng (also known as Panax Ginseng), and there’s even American Ginseng. Only one of these – Korean Red Ginseng – has the most human evidence behind it, showing it can help with mood, libido, and mental clarity amongst others. We have no idea what type of Ginseng Phena Lean is using. Anabolic Warfare doesn’t show it on the label. But even if it was the proven type of Ginseng, and even if it was dosed properly (we’re asking a lot now, we know!), this ingredient is not seen as one of the most effective weight loss ingredients out there, anyway.
Theobromnine (dose unknown)
Theobromine is a compound from cocoa that is similar to caffeine in its structure and effects. However, some early evidence shows theobromine may be beneficial in boosting energy levels without the dreaded crash. This may make it a potentially better alternative to caffeine. Still, the research is very early, and only a few studies on humans exist. We also don’t know Theobromine’s dosage in Phena Lean, so it’s hard to say if you will get any effect from it.
L-Theanine (dose unknown)
L-Theanine is a naturally occurring compound found in some mushrooms and black and green teas. It helps to calm the mind by raising your GABA levels. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows down the firing of impulses between neurons. This effect makes L-Theanine a great addition to caffeine; it helps to smoothen the jittery effects of the stimulant. L-Theanine’s optimal effective dosage is between 150-200mg.
Di-Caffeine Malate (dose unknown)
Di-Caffeine Malate is another form of caffeine in Phena Lean. Di-Caffeine Malate has been suggested to have cleaner effects than pure caffeine. This is because it is bound to a molecule of malic acid which makes it more stable. However, we don’t know how smart it is to include another source of caffeine when there’s already caffeine anhydrous in the formula – and in potentially high amounts at that.
Bitter Orange Extract (dose unknown)
Here we come to yet another stimulant in Phena Lean! And not just any. Bitter Orange Extract, also known as Synephrine, is a structurally similar compound to the banned substance Ephedra, which has been pulled from the market due to its negative cardiovascular effects. Bitter Orange Extract has been known to cause problems in its own right; leading to high blood pressure and palpitations. These side effects are known to occur from using Bitter Orange Extract alone. Now, imagine if it’s dosed high in Phena Lean (we have no way of knowing) and paired with a high dose of caffeine. This is a concerning thought. There are certainly safer and equally as effective, if not more effective, natural ingredients for fat loss that could’ve been included in Bitter Orange’s stead.
LeanGBB (Gamma butyrobetaine) (dose unknown)
GBB is a compound that helps to boost carnitine levels in the body. Carnitine is a molecule well-known for its energy-boosting and fat-burning effects. By boosting your carnitine levels with GBB, your body will become slightly more efficient at burning off stored fat for energy.
Grains of Paradise (dose unknown)
Grains of paradise are a type of spice that has been used for centuries to help people lose weight. It is also used as a digestive aid.
Some doctors have recommended grains of paradise for people who are looking for ways to lose weight without having to go through extreme dieting or exercise regimens. However, there are still some who recommend that people steer clear of this spice because it has not been researched enough.
Grains of paradise can be bought in their whole form or as an extract. They can be found at any grocery store and online at places like Amazon and eBay. The dosage will vary depending on the goal (weight loss, digestive aid) but usually ranges from a few hundred milligrams to a few grams. The entire Phena Lean proprietary blend is only 766mg.
L-Tyrosine (dose unknown)
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid found in poultry, milk, and other food sources. It is a mental enhancing compound. Your brain uses it to make dopamine – a neurochemical that promotes motivation, drive, willpower, as well as regulates various vital functions in your body. So, while supplementing L-Tyrosine won’t necessarily make you burn fat, it will help you feel “less moody” throughout the day, reducing the chances of binging on unhealthy foods. The minimum effective dose of L-Tyrosine is between 200-500mg; some studies use over 1,000mg.
Cayenne Pepper powder (dose unknown)
Cayenne pepper is a spicy and flavorful pepper that has been used as a spice and medicinal herb for several centuries. It is harvested from an annual plant that belongs to the capsicum family. It has been grown in many regions of the world, but it originated in Central and South America.
Cayenne pepper is often used as a spice because of its intense flavor and high heat level. The heat level of cayenne peppers can vary greatly depending on where they are grown, how ripe they are, and how long they were dried or stored before use. The capsaicinoids (spicy chemicals) found in cayenne peppers can provide numerous health benefits including weight loss.
The heat from cayenne peppers will stimulate your body to burn more calories by increasing your metabolism. This is one of the main reasons why it’s so popular among the best fat loss supplements.
Rauwolscine (dose unknown)
Rauwolscine is a chemical that is found in the roots of the plant, corydalis. It is used for treating pain and it can be bought in pill form. It is also known as a stimulant and is used to help with withdrawal symptoms from other stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines. Some weight loss diet pills might include this ingredient because it speeds up your metabolism and therefore makes you burn more calories than you would normally. However, since there are already plenty of stimulants in Phena Lean, we’re not happy with this inclusion. Especially since we don’t know its dosage.
Huperzine A (dose unknown)
Huperzine A is a natural supplement that many believe has the ability to help with weight loss. However, there is no sufficient evidence that it can be effective for weight loss. What Huperzine A can do is improve your brain performance. As a nootropic compound, Huperzine A is shown to boost acetylcholine levels in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that governs your executive functions. However, the issue with Huperzine A is that it can only be used short-term. Long-term daily use not only leads to tolerance development, but also to side effects like nausea, irritability, and even memory loss. But, stopping the use of other ingredients in Phena Lean makes them less effective or completely ineffective.
Our Commentary on Phena Lean’s Formula
Phena Lean is not a good weight loss supplement in our eyes. The biggest issue is that it hides important ingredient information. But it also has problems with using too many stimulants.
What’s more, Phena Lean is using Huperzine A which needs to be cycled every few weeks in order to avoid side effects. But by doing so, you cancel out any positive fat-burning effects of other ingredients (assuming they are properly dosed in the first place).
Also, despite having so many ingredients, Phena Lean is surprisingly still lacking some of the best natural fat burners on the market. Many of the ingredients in Phena Lean are untested or ineffective for weight loss; they should be replaced with proven compounds like Glucomannan (konjac root fiber) for appetite suppression, and something like green tea extract to boost the thermogenic effect of the supplement.
Phena Lean caffeine content is also something that concerns us. Not knowing the dosage of stimulants can signal potential risk for certain groups of people.
Side Effects
Phena Lean pills side effects mainly come from its stimulants; caffeine, Rauwolscine and Bitter Orange Extract. If taken together and dosed high enough, these compounds can cause the following issues:
- Heart palpitations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Inability to sleep
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Anxiety episodes
If you suspect you might have an allergic reaction to any of Phena Lean’s ingredients, or if you’re sensitive to stimulants in general, make sure to check with your doctor before using it.
Testimonials & Reviews
Legitimate Phena Lean before and after results are surprisingly difficult to find. It is definitely worth checking “other people’s” reviews if you can find them, but keep in mind that they could easily be paid ads or written by robots. It’s something manufacturers can easily do nowadays, even on big sites like Amazon.
Phena-Lean results, in general, are mixed amongst customers. While some users reported great increases in their energy levels and fat loss results, there are others who reported the side effects of Phena Lean not being worth the benefits.
Pricing, Availability, and Other Things to Consider
Phena Lean costs $59.99 per bottle on the official website. The price can go up significantly depending on where you buy it. For example, Phena Lean’s price at Walmart is almost $100! Make sure to do your research before buying this one.
Phena Lean is currently also available at Amazon. As for GNC, it currently doesn’t have any Phena Lean in stock.
If you’re looking to get the product as soon as possible, consider searching for terms like Phena Lean near me to see what online store close to you might sell Phena Lean.
Phena Lean vs Phentermine (Adipex): What’s Better?
Phena Lean and Phentermine (Adipex) are two completely different products. Phena Lean is a natural dietary supplement with plant compounds and nutrients that can help your body burn more calories and reduce appetite. Phentermine, on the other hand, is a prescription-only drug. It is a stimulant also known commercially as Adipex. It works to reduce body fat mass by ramping up your energy levels and nervous system activity. It’s an aggressive drug, so it should only be considered for short-term use, and with strong approval from your doctor. Phena Lean, while having its own downsides, is definitely the safer option between the two if you’re just looking for something to get started with something natural on your weight loss journey.
Takeaway
That concludes our Phena Lean review. In our opinion, Phena Lean has too many downsides to be considered a good thermogenic. Phena-Lean weight loss results will mainly come from its stimulants; caffeine, Rauwolscine, and Synephrine. However, this combination is quite aggressive and often leads to unwanted side effects.
Additionally, we don’t even know the doses of these ingredients in Phena Lean; most of them are lumped together as a single value on the label. This makes it impossible to tell how safe or effective Phena-Lean weight loss results will be for you.
For the price of $59.99 per bottle, there are definitely better fat burners out there, that use safer and more effective combinations of ingredients. You’ll find that these products will clearly list all ingredients and their respective dosages on the label, so you know exactly the results you can expect.
Further Reading: