A supplier of health and sports supplements with a dedicated Malta website is being probed by the health authorities to establish whether its products’ ingredients are legal in this country.

Even though manufacturers claim it helps you burn fat, evidence from research shows that it does not increase fat burning when taken as a supplement

A Health Ministry spokesman said the products being sold by the company through its website was brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Public Health.

The website is offering health and sports supplements, including testosterone boosters, fast muscle builders, weight loss and fat loss pills as well as toning pills, among others.

They are being promoted over the internet and Facebook as “award winning, fast-acting supplements to change your body in record time”.

Following a preliminary investigation, the Superintendent for Public Health referred the matter to the Medicines’ Authority which, on its part, is looking into the products’ ingredients.

It will also seek to establish whether the company is licensed to sell such products or whether it requires a licence to sell the supplements.

The spokesman pointed out that although the matter is being investigated, it does not mean the operator is doing anything illegal unless it is proven to be operating without the required licences or permits.

Questions sent to the company remained unanswered by the time of going to print.

According to testimonials on its website, the products help people achieve results they have always dreamt of if they are “dedicated and disciplined” and if used together with a good training programme and a good quality balanced diet.

One of the products on offer promises a ‘six-pack’ in four weeks if you buy €135 worth of pills. It says it is “the world’s only guaranteed six-pack pill”, with users being able to see the results in three days.

Other popular products include the fast muscle building pack, fat strippers and toning packs. Most of the products are not for athletes but for bodybuilders.

There is a disclaimer at the bottom of the products’ pages which reads: “(The) supplements are ‘Nutritional Supplements’. They are not medicines or drugs. They do not prevent, diagnose, restore, correct or modify any physiological condition or function in human beings. They will not treat diseases; they are not medicines.”

Nutritionist and occupational therapist Daniela Cassola warned against the use of such products without first consulting a health specialist.

She said a quick glance at a website selling these supplements “reveals claims that should trigger alarm bells”.

One product, Norateen Anabolic Extreme, claims that “you will see yourself starting to get massive in as little as one week”.

Ms Cassola said some of the ingredients listed for this product “are equally worrying”. Tribulus Terrestris, for example, is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and should not be used.

Another product, Fat Stripper, claims its “unique fat burner formula contains L-Carnitine which is a very strong fat oxidiser and fat burner, great for weight loss and fat loss; this product removes unwanted fat from the body”.

Ms Cassola said Carnitine is found in muscles and is used for energy production.  “Even though manufacturers claim it helps you burn fat, evidence from research shows that it does not increase fat burning when taken as a supplement,” she said.

Ms Cassola said people should be informed about the safety and usefulness of supplements before making a decision whether to take them.

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrients, vitamins and minerals the body needs.

Athletes, she said, should follow a balanced and varied diet to supply the body with the right amount of energy and essential nutrients; eat carbohydrate-rich food and strive to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

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