Karla;

Yes, actually that IS helpful. It gave me a whole new research
angle.

According to the Estrin-D website, the active ingredient
is 'xanthine', or caffiene-type chemical compounds. So, that's in
line with your article.

However, I found varying reports of the caffiene equivalent -- one
site said that it was similar to a really strong cup of espresso.
Still, the recommended dosage of estrin-d is two tablets before
every meal. Yikes. Two cups of espresso before every meal and I'd
be bouncing off the ceiling by noon.

Anyway, I decided to lookup these 'xanthines' and I found a really
good article here:
http://www.drugfreesport.com/choices/drugs/street/caffeine.html
Among other things, I was surprised to learn that theophylline (used
to treat asthma and bronchitis) was closely related to caffeine.

However, in moderate doses (1-3 cups of coffee), the effects of
caffeine sound really good: increasing central nervous system
activity, and releasing more fat for energy.

Incidently, I have started visiting my local barista before going to
the gym. I get a regular 12 oz coffee and add a little skim milk to
it (none of that hi-fat cappuchino stuff). I have definitely
noticed that my workouts are much more comfortable, which helps me
last longer.

Price comparison:
1 12 oz cup coffee (375 mg caffeine) - $1.75
1 no-doz (200 mg caffeine) - .13
1 estrin-d tablet (unknown mg) - .33

food for thought.

:-)
Webar

--- In ThyroidDisease2@yahoogroups.com, "The Mazza Family"
<kmazza@k...> wrote:
> Here is what today's newsletter from Good Housekeeping had to say
about Estrin-D. The article was entitled "Will a Pill help you shed
pounds".
>
> Estrin-D
> What it contains: Yerba maté, guarana and damiana herbs
> What it claims: A diet pill for menopausal women, Estrin-D says it
balances hormones, increases metabolism and reduces caloric intake.
> Reality check: What's at work here is good old caffeine.