Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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When you enter the gym supplement market, you need to go into it with a 'buyer beware' mindset. This is an unregulated market with a lot of shady players.
The worst of them will try to convince you that their product can give you similar results as illegal anabolic steroids. Some will even use slick marketing tactics to confuse you into thinking you're getting a steroid or prescription-only anabolic compound.
That's the case with this article's spotlight product - Clenbutrol from Crazy Bulk.
In the paragraphs to follow, we'll pull apart Crazy Bulk's Clenbutrol fat burner to discover whether it can do anything for you apart from making your wallet lighter.
Table Of Contents:
- What Is Clenbutrol?
- Clenbutrol Review: Pass or Fail?
- Clenbutrol Ingredients
- Clenbutrol Claimed Benefits
- Side Effects of Clenbuterol
- Real Customer Reviews Of Crazy Bulk Clenbutrol
- Who Is Clenbutrol For?
- How To Take Clenbuterol
- Clenbutrol Alternatives
Clenbutrol replicates the powerful thermogenic and performance enhancing properties of celeb weight loss favourite Clenbuterol. It burns fat and improves cardiovascular...
What Is Clenbutrol?
Clenbutrol is a dietary supplement from Crazy Bulk that is promoted as a safe and legal substitute for the anabolic steroid Clenbuterol. Due to its thermogenic effects, the bronchodilator clenbuterol is frequently used off-label for weight management, loss, and fat burning. However, it can have harmful side effects and isn't available without a valid prescription.
CrazyBulk is a company that specializes in creating natural and legal substitutes for numerous anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. They claim that their supplements offer comparable advantages without the dangers that could come from using illegal steroids.
Clenbutrol Crazy Bulk is advertised as a fat-burning substance that can improve weight loss by boosting metabolism. According to the manufacturer, the supplement increases thermogenesis, the process of increasing body temperature to enhance calorie expenditure and encourage fat burning.
Clenbutrol Review: Pass or Fail?
We really wanted to like this clen fat-burner. After all, it's a top seller and has screeds of positive reviews all over the internet. But the lack of ingredients at proper doses and the marketing that leads you to believe this can be as effective as the illicit substance clenbuterol prevented us from doing so.
There is enough misinformation in the health and fitness industry without pushing products with an almost identical name to an illegal product and claiming that it will do the same thing when it clearly will do no such thing.
We might have been willing to overlook the blatant marketing tricks used to equate Clenbutrol with Clenbuterol if it was stacked with thermogenic and stimulant ingredients that gave it some credence. But no such luck.
Glancing at the ingredient label is an underwhelming experience. The only thing that might have some tangible value is Garcinia cambogia. Even then, you'd be far better off to head to your local health store and pick up a supply of pure garcinia for a fraction of the price you're being asked to fork out here.
Overall Verdict: FAIL
Pros
- It contains a decent amount of garcinia cambogia
Cons
- Deceptive marketing tactics used
- Most ingredients will not do what is promised
- Expensive
Clenbutrol Ingredients
Despite its best marketing efforts to convince you that Clenbutrol provides steroid-like effects, you will only get out of it what the ingredients and their dosages can deliver.
Here's what you'll find in every serving of Clenbutrol:
1) Vitamin B3 - 63 mg
Vitamin B3, or niacin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is needed for metabolism and the production of energy from food. It is not a recognized fat-burning ingredient.
The only research that could lead to that conclusion was a small rodent study that showed that giving rats high doses of Vitamin B3 increased fat burning [1]. That doesn't mean that it will have the same effect on humans.
The 63 mg of Vitamin B3 provided here is more than twice the maximum daily intake for adults as recommended by WebMD [2]. That means that you are getting an excessive amount of ingredient that is likely to do nothing to help you get lean.
2) Garcinia Cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) - 450 mg
The peel of the tropical fruit garcinia cambogia contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which has been claimed to have weight loss potential. It is claimed that it can stop fat production by blocking the enzyme citrate lyase. However, the scientific evidence for these claims is limited and inconclusive.
While some studies have found no appreciable differences between the garcinia cambogia and placebo groups, others have found a potential minor benefit for weight loss [3]. The inconsistency results from changes in study design, doses, and population traits.
The dosage range used in clinical studies ranges between 300 and 1500 mg. So, the 450 mg used in Clenbutrol is on the low side.
3) Bitter Orange Extract - 450 mg
Citrus aurantium, another name for bitter orange, is an extract made from the peel of the bitter orange fruit.
It contains several active substances, including synephrine, which has been advertised as a possible ingredient for fat and weight loss. However, there are differing opinions concerning the effectiveness and safety of using bitter orange extract for body weight management and loss.
Synephrine, a substance with stimulant characteristics, is present in bitter orange extract. Synephrine is thought to raise metabolic rate and energy expenditure, which might result in fat loss. However, the research is limited, with studies showing only minor increases in energy burn. What is clear is that synephrine is nowhere near as potent a stimulant as caffeine.
Bitter orange extract's stimulant qualities have prompted questions about its safety. Excessive amounts may cause increases in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as such stimulant effects as jitters, digestive problems, and headaches. The danger of adverse effects can be substantially increased by combining bitter oranges with coffee or other stimulants.
4) Guarana Extract - 342 mg
Finally, we come to an ingredient that may actually do something about weight loss. Guarana extract is a natural component frequently used in dietary supplements and energy drinks as a stimulant and thermogenic.
It contains caffeine that increases metabolism and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like adrenaline that promote thermogenesis. This increases body temperature, leading to the breakdown of fats for energy or fat oxidation.
One study showed that caffeine, which is high in guarana, increased metabolism by up to 11% over a 12-hour period [4]. However, the dosage was 1200 mg, nearly three times what you get in Clenbutrol.
Clenbutrol Claimed Benefits
The Crazy Bulk website proclaims that Clenbutrol is a safe and legal Clenbuterol alternative that will give you similar results but without the need for needles or prescriptions. Here's what the company claims Clenbutrol will do:
1) Helps Burn Fat
Clenbutrol is marketed as a product that aids in fat burning. According to the claims, it increases thermogenesis, which raises body temperature and may increase blood flow and more significant calorie expenditure. This action is thought to encourage fat oxidation or the body's process of turning stored fat into energy.
The objective is to assist people in losing weight, but we're not convinced Clenbutrol provides this benefit.
For other fat burners with better ingredients, read our article: Everything You Need To Know About Fat Burner Supplements.
2) Improves Cardiovascular Performance
Clenbutrol is said to have the same ability to enhance cardiovascular and physical performance, just like the prescription medication Clenbuterol.
The stimulant effects of guarana extract, which can momentarily raise heart rate and oxygen consumption, are meant to cause this. The problem is that there simply isn't enough stimulant ingredient content to have an effect.
3) Lean Muscle Retention
Clenbutrol is advertised as aiding in retaining lean muscle mass while encouraging fat reduction. This is a crucial advantage for people who want to lose body fat without giving up muscle gains. Yet, as we've seen, none of the ingredients support this claim.
4) Improved Energy
Clenbutrol's stimulant effects are supposed to cause an increase in energy and alertness. This impact would improve everyday activity and workout performance if a potent energy booster was dosed in a suitable quantity. Unfortunately, there isn't!
Side Effects of Clenbuterol
Even though Clenbutrol is marketed as being a safer, natural alternative to Clenbuterol, it's important to realize that every supplement has the potential to have negative side effects. Here are some of the more common minor side effects that you may experience when you begin taking Clenbutrol:
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Gas and bloating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Real Customer Reviews Of Crazy Bulk Clenbutrol
There are a lot of Crazy Bulk Clenbutrol reviews online. Most of them are found on affiliate websites with a vested interest in promoting the product. They're overwhelmingly positive and probably fake.
Finding genuine reviews takes a bit of digging. In fact, I had to wade through more than a dozen affiliate sites filled with ridiculously glowing positive testimonials that were clearly fake before finding any that sounded legit. This reiterates what I said in the introduction - let the buyer beware. Eventually, I came to some honest reviews. Here's a couple of them:
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Another reviewer simply said:
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We can get a little insight into the customer service side of things with this comment:
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I've personally used Crazy Bulk Clenbutrol, having been sent a sample bottle, along with other products from Crazy Bulk. I took it for a month per the user instructions and got nothing from it. It didn't provide any stimulant effect for my workouts, failed to provide extra energy for my cardio, and did nothing to accelerate fat loss. Fortunately, I didn't have to pay for it - if I did, I'd be pretty disappointed!
Who Is Clenbutrol For?
As with all the other Crazy Bulk products, Clenbutrol's primary target market is young men between the ages of 18 and 35 who are regular gym goers intent on building a lean, muscular physique.
It is mainly aimed at those who want to achieve steroid-like results without traveling down the dark and murky path of anabolic drugs. People may think about using Clenbutrol as a substitute if they wish to avoid the possible health concerns and legal repercussions that come with taking Clenbuterol.
Beyond its immediate target audience, Clenbutrol is designed to attract the attention of anyone who wants to lose body fat quickly while also retaining lean muscle mass.
Those looking to get the most out of their workouts may find Clenbutrol's stimulant boosting claims appealing and may want to take it as a pre-workout.
People who are enthusiastic about fitness, bodybuilding, or weightlifting and looking for extra assistance in accomplishing their physical goals may also find Clenbuterol appealing.
How To Take Clenbutrol?
According to the product label, you should take one Clenbutrol tablet three times daily.
3 Clenbutrol Alternatives
By now, it should be pretty clear that there is no way we can recommend Crazy Bulk Clenbutrol as an effective fat-loss supplement. Fortunately, there are better alternatives available. Here's a quick look at three of the best fat burners we've identified after reviewing dozens of fat burner supplements:
1) PhenQ
PhenQ is a weight loss supplement available in tablet form that claims to work through five distinct actions to support your weight loss journey and improve overall health.
So, unlike many other weight loss supplements that focus on a single strategy, PhenQ combines several approaches:
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Reduces Fat: PhenQ is designed to reduce fat by increasing thermogenesis, promoting calorie-burning and fat oxidation. The combination of ingredients is meant to support the body's ability to use stored body fat, especially visceral fat accumulation, for energy.
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Stops Storage of More Fat: The supplement aims to limit the body's ability to store new fat cells and halt the growth of existing ones. Ingredients like capsicum extract may contribute to reducing fat cell production.
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Increases Energy: PhenQ contains natural stimulants, such as caffeine and capsimax powder, which can raise core body temperature and metabolism, resulting in increased energy expenditure and potentially aiding in weight loss.
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Curbs Appetite: Ingredients like chromium picolinate, nopal cactus, and caffeine have appetite-suppressing properties, helping individuals feel fuller and reducing overeating or snacking between meals.
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Raises Mood: The supplement includes ingredients like l-carnitine fumarate, which may have mood-enhancing effects, counteracting potential mood changes during calorie-restricted diets.
PhenQ is marketed as a natural alternative to Phentermine, a prescription medication for appetite suppression. Unlike Phentermine, PhenQ does not contain the same active ingredient and uses a blend of natural substances to mimic its effects.
Phentermine is a prescription medication often given to very obese individuals to reduce their caloric intake and boost metabolism. PhenQ attempts to achieve similar results by addressing hunger and promoting a calorie deficit, which is crucial for successful weight loss.
PhenQ contains a proprietary blend called A-Lacy's Reset, which combines alpha-lipoic acid and cysteine to enhance their antioxidant and weight loss properties. Capsimax Powder, derived from spicy peppers, is included to increase body temperature and metabolism.
Nopal cactus provides fiber, aiding in weight loss through appetite control and blood sugar regulation. Chromium picolinate helps manage blood sugar levels and cravings. Caffeine boosts energy, metabolism, and fat oxidation. Calcium carbonate may decrease hunger and influence fat cell behavior. L-carnitine fumarate contributes to metabolism and energy production.
PhenQ's manufacturer, Wolfson Brands, is a company with decades of experience in the industry, offering a range of supplements. The company claims that PhenQ is not a quick fix but rather a product that, combined with exercise and a balanced healthy diet, can support gradual and sustainable weight loss.
Pros
- Research-backed ingredients
- Clinically aligned dosages
- Works through five mechanisms to achieve fat loss
Cons
- Only available from the official website
PhenQ is a unique and powerful new slimming formula that will help you achieve what others are just promising. With PhenQ weight loss pills, you’ll never need to worry about your weight again...
2) Capsiplex BURN
Capsiplex BURN is a fat-burning dietary supplement marketed toward athletes and gymgoers who are going through a cutting phase to get as ripped as possible or trying to make weight for a competition.
It is designed to accelerate fat loss and offset such cutting side effects as low energy, mood swings, and inconsistent appetite. This supplement is also meant to help you preserve lean muscle mass when you are on a cut. The official website claims that your workouts will be more productive, you won't have cravings, your mood will be more even, and your stubborn fat stores will be unlocked when you take this product.
To achieve these desired results, Capsiplex BURN packs the following ingredients into every serving:
- Capsimax
- Innoslim
- Caffeine
- Vitamins B3, B6 and B12
- Iodine
- Chromium
- Tyrosine
- Arginine
- Black Pepper
An ingredient that we weren't familiar with is Innoslim. It turns out that this is a blend of patented ginseng and astragalus. This combination is said to stimulate body cells to take in more sugar to be turned into energy in the mitochondria.
There are also 200 mg of caffeine in each serving of Capsiplex BURN. This safe yet effective dosage will stimulate the central nervous system and promote thermogenesis without the risk of stimulant side effects in most people.
Pros
- 11 research supported ingredients
- Designed to help athletes during a cutting phase
- 200 mg of caffeine
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Fat loss results may take some weeks to become evident
BURN is different from many other products on the market because it lists every single ingredient and how much of each one it has. There are no "secret" ingredients or "proprietary blends" found here...
3) Hunter Burn
Hunter Burn is a premium fat-burning nutritional supplement designed to aid weight loss while preserving healthy muscle and promoting appetite reduction to create a negative calorie balance. Manufactured by the well-established UK-based sports supplement brand Roar Ambition, Hunter Burn distinguishes itself by excluding caffeine, which can disrupt sleep and may cause a jittery effect in some people.
The product aims to retain muscle mass while simultaneously helping lose weight, enhancing muscle definition. It is available for purchase online through Roar Ambition's official website.
Hunter Burn's strategy centers around combining high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients known for their fat-burning properties with components that help spare muscle mass. This dual-action approach targets the common issue of muscle loss during weight loss efforts, particularly for men striving to achieve a lean physique.
Hunter Burn's ingredient profile includes:
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Vitamin D3, which aids in fat metabolism and boosts energy
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Konjac Root Extract containing Glucomannan for effective appetite suppression
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White Kidney Bean Extract that blocks carbohydrate absorption
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L-Theanine for metabolism and appetite control
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Matcha Green Tea to boost metabolism and burn calories
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Cayenne Pepper for metabolism and inflammation reduction.
Hunter Burn stands out due to its high dose of Glucomannan, a costly appetite suppressant not commonly found in other supplements. You get 3000 mg per dose, which is among the highest we've come across. Users have reported effective appetite suppression and sustained energy levels after using the product.
Roar Ambition's dedication to quality is evident in Hunter Burn's formulation, which is free from cheap fillers or questionable ingredients.
Pros
- Contains 3000 mg of glucosamine per serving
- Caffeine free
- Designed to lose fat while retaining muscle
Cons
- You have to take six capsules per day
Hunter Burn is a luxurious, high-end fat burner for those who will only settle for the best. Its formula has been engineered to give you larger amounts of key ingredients for an unparalleled...
Clenbutrol Review: A Summary
If we've learned one thing from the Crazy Bulk Clenbutrol review, it is that you can't believe everything you read on the internet (who would have thought?).
Despite the thousands of glowing testimonials and reviews that litter affiliate websites, this product is a colossal waste of money. It's also a blatant attempt to trick unsuspecting muscle heads into thinking they can get steroid-like results by taking it.
Don't be fooled.
If you want a product that will actually work alongside your workouts and diet to achieve a leaner physique without sacrificing muscle tissue, our recommendation is PhenQ. It contains more than double the ingredients as Clenbuterol in more effective dosages that have been proven to work.
Check out our complete PhenQ review for more information.
PhenQ is a unique and powerful new slimming formula that will help you achieve what others are just promising. With PhenQ weight loss pills, you’ll never need to worry about your weight again...
References:
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Wanders D, Graff EC, White BD, Judd RL. Niacin increases adiponectin and decreases adipose tissue inflammation in high fat diet-fed mice. PLoS One. 2013 Aug 13;8(8):e71285. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071285. PMID: 23967184; PMCID: PMC3742781.
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WebMD. (n.d.). Niacin (vitamin B3) : Benefits, dosage, sources, risks. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-niacin
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Chuah LO, Ho WY, Beh BK, Yeap SK. Updates on Antiobesity Effect of Garcinia Origin (-)-HCA. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:751658. doi: 10.1155/2013/751658. Epub 2013 Aug 6. PMID: 23990846; PMCID: PMC3748738.
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Dulloo AG, Geissler CA, Horton T, Collins A, Miller DS. Normal caffeine consumption: influence on thermogenesis and daily energy expenditure in lean and postobese human volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/49.1.44. PMID: 2912010.
Steve Theunissen
Author