Update! (11-21-2018):We currently have someone testing out Active-PK, click here
to read her results so far!

Belly fat can be one of the most difficult things to get rid of.

For a lot of people, no matter how much they diet or exercise, belly fat is stubborn and won’t budge.

The problem is, there hasn’t been a conclusive way to target (and reduce) belly fat specifically.

That is, of course, without ridding fat from other areas.

For many that are looking to tackle that one problem area that is often the belly, this can be discouraging and can lead to a hunt for whatever remedy is out there promising that it will work.

It’s an issue that affects men and women, and Active-PK is a product that could be the solution according to the marketing.

So what’s the reality?

Is Active-PK a real way to safely cut belly fat?

What are the ingredients, and could it deliver on big promises?

Contents

What is Active-PK and what does it do?
What are the ingredients?
How to use it
Who makes it
Are there any side effects?
Where can you buy Active-PK?
Active PK Warnings
Does Active-PK work?
Recommendation

1. What Is Active-PK?

Active PK is a product whose makers claim will create AMPK Activation.

The idea is based on relatively new research about an enzyme within our cells.

What does AMPK Do?

This enzyme, when activated, can help with weight loss as well as overall health. AMPK is the name of the enzyme, which stands for Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase. It’s often called the master regulating switch because according to research and some claims, it is a metabolic molecule that determines how our cells process energy.

With this in mind, AMPK determines our body fat composition, and even how long someone will live according to some research.

How does it work?

When this enzyme is activated, theoretically cells are then prompted not to make or store fat.

What happens during an activation phase is that only stored fat is burned.

Then, as a result of this cells are healthier and less toxic.

When AMPK is reactivated, it can also help people live longer according to some claims.

The cells are essentially being flushed of the bad stuff with AMPK is activated, or so the theory goes.

Specific Benefits of AMPK

Some of the specific ways AMPK plays a role in weight loss and overall health include:

• The enzyme increases the production of mitochondria, which are responsible for transforming food and oxygen into energy that fuels our bodies.
• AMPK can promote insulin sensitivity, which is good regarding
• AMPK activation increases another enzyme’s effectiveness.
  
  That’s the SIRT1 enzyme, which is important in terms of healthy metabolism and reducing inflammation.
  
  Some researchers believe the SIRT1 molecule can help inhibit genes that have negative effects on health.

Why would I need something like this?

The reason someone would need a supplement to promote activation of AMPK is because over time, especially in the face of poor nutrition, toxins gather in our cells.

This stops the effectiveness of genes that promote good health and reduce inflammation.

The result can be weight gain, metabolic disease, and inflammation that contributes to most other illnesses.

How do I know if I have an AMPK deficiency?

Signs that someone could have an AMPK deficiency include increased belly fat, high blood glucose levels, difficulty losing weight and insulin resistance.

In line with this, the makers of Active PK say that it will decrease abdominal fat, but also promote mental clarity increase energy levels and help users have a stronger, healthier body overall.

2. Active PK Ingredients

Active-PK has three main active ingredients:

• ActiveAMP
• Quercetin
• Berberine HCL

Here’s a snapshot of the label:

Click Here for a full list of drug interactions.

What is ActiveAMP?

The first and most important is something dubbed ActivAMP, which is gynostemma pentaphyllum leaf extract.

There is 450 mg of this ingredient per serving.

Gynostemma is classified as an adaptogen, and it’s native to areas of Asia including China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan.

It’s also called jiaogulan, and it’s long been used in herbal medicine.

Along with being an adaptogen, it is believed to be an antioxidant as well.

According to herbal medicine, this ingredient can:

• Increase longevity
• Improve immunity
• Lower high blood pressure and cholesterol.

This ingredient, as an adaptogen, is supposed to help the body maintain a sense of homeostasis. It may also serve as a tumor inhibitor according to some research, and a small study showed the herb was beneficial for treating patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

What is Quercetin Dihydrate?

The next active ingredient is called quercetin dihydrate.

There is a 100 mg of this ingredient, which is believed to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, body fat, and even allergies.

What is Berberine HCL?

The third active ingredient in Active-PK is berberine.

Berberine is a chemical naturally occurring in different plants.

Berberine is sometimes used to help heart health and as an antibacterial agent.

Some research has shown berberine can slightly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and it may be able to lower cholesterol levels.

Initial research has shown berberine could reduce the risk of death in people with congestive heart failure.

Active-PK doesn’t contain any caffeine, which can be helpful to know for people with sensitivities to caffeine.

So many nutritional supplements, especially when they are aimed at weight loss, do contain caffeine.

That can make people feel nauseous or unwell, so it is useful to find a product without it.

3. How To Use Active-PK

Active-PK comes in capsule form.

A container includes 30 capsules, and a serving size is two capsules per day.

Active-PK should be taken with a glass of water, and it doesn’t matter if it’s taken with or without food.

For someone who is worried about nauseousness being a side effect, or if they are sensitive to herbal supplements, they can take Active-PK with food.

4. Who Makes It?

Active-PK is marketed by a company called LCR Health (www.LCRhealth.com), located at 22704 Ventura Blvd. #485, Woodland Hills, California 91364.

The company is headed by Chief Medical Officer Dr. R.S.

McCLain.

According to the company’s marketing, they introduce products backed by in-depth scientific research. They also have a 5-point Promise when customers buy their products.

LCB Health says they promise to provide supplements with only high-quality ingredients backed by science.

Independent third parties test their products, they are made in America, and they have a 90-day guarantee along with what they describe as exceptional customer service.

5. Active-PK Side Effects

As with so many supplements like Active-PK, there isn’t any information available about scientific testing on the actual formulation itself.

Instead, research and information are based on looking at each of the individual ingredients, rather than how the ingredients work with one another.

With that in mind, there may be potential side effects, particularly with quercetin dihydrate.

Click Here for a full list of potential medical conditions and prescription medications that can interact with Active-PK.

Possible side effects from Quercetin Dihydrate

Quercetin dihydrate can cause an allergic reaction in some people because some bodies will respond to it as if it’s a toxin.

It’s also possible quercetin dihydrate can cause swelling and inflamed joints.

This ingredient can be especially harmful to people with a chronic inflammatory condition like arthritis.

This tends only to happen when it’s used in higher doses.

At lower doses, quercetin may reduce inflammation.

Drug Interactions with Quercetin

There are also certain drug interactions possible with quercetin.

This ingredient can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotic medications, and it can make it problematic for the body to break down certain cancer drugs.

Click Here to see the full list of drug interactions.

Side Effects of Gynostemma

Gynostemma, also called jiaogulan can have its own side effects.

These can include nausea and increased bowel movements.

This ingredient can cause the immune system to be more active, which can be problematic for people who have auto-immune disorders.

It may slow clotting, and it can cause blood sugar to become too low in people who use insulin or other medicines to control their levels.

Drug interactions with Gynostemma

Since gynostemma increases the immune system, there are certain medications whose effectiveness could be decreased because of this ingredient.

For example, when someone takes medication to decrease their immune system, this ingredient could make that less effective.

Since it’s possible gynostemma can slow blood clotting, it can have interactions with other medicines that do the same.

Potential Berberine Side Effects

Berberine side effects are considered to be generally low risk, although people who take blood sugar-lowering medications should be aware that it can cause their levels to dip too low.

Berberine can also lower blood pressure, so people with already low blood pressure should be aware of this.

6. Where Can You Buy Active-PK?

Interested customers can buy Active-PK directly on the LCR Health website.

Pricing breaks down as follows:

• 1 Bottle – $69
• 3 bottles – $186.30
• 6 bottles – $330.15

All orders include free shipping.

Customers can contact the manufacturer directly through their website if they have any questions.

Active-PK is not available in stores like GNC, Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS.

Related Article: 13 BEST Diet Pills Sold In Stores

Money Back Guarantee

When this product is purchased on the LCR Health website, there is a 90-day guarantee for each order.If for any reason a customer doesn’t feel the product met their expectations, they can send it back for a full refund of the purchase price.

The company says customers can even use the whole supply and send back the empty bottles.

The money-back guarantee is one of the reasons that it might be worth trying this product.

7. Active-PK Warnings

Active PK could potentially interact with certain medications or medical conditions.

Use caution and speak to a doctor before using it.

We’ve hired a pharmacist who has answered many of the most common questions we get.Reviewed by Dr. Brian Straub, Pharm.D.

* Click Here for a full list of potential drug interactions.

Can I take Active-PK if I have high blood pressure?

There appear to be no negative interactions with the medications themselves for those with high blood pressure, but some ingredients may lower blood pressure.

If you are taking blood pressure medications, use caution, as this supplement may also lower blood pressure.

Can I take Active-PK if I have LOW blood pressure?

It is advised to avoid this supplement if you have low blood pressure as some of the ingredients may decrease blood pleasure leading to an unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Can I take Active-PK if I have diabetes?

Many of the ingredients may lower blood sugar and alter the effects of insulin.

When adding a new supplement that may lower blood sugar, it is best to monitor your blood sugar daily for the first week.

If you experience hypoglycemia, stop the supplement and speak with your doctor about possibly altering your regimen.

Are allergic reactions possible with Active-PK?

As with all supplements and medications there is the possibility of allergic reactions.

There are no known allergic reaction risks with this medication.

Can I take Active-PK with alcohol?

As it is best to avoid alcohol when taking supplements, there is no known interaction between alcohol and the ingredients in this supplement.

Can I take Active-PK with Viagra / Cialis?

Active-PK may cause a decrease in blood pressure.

This interaction is moderate compared to Hawthorne Berry which is a major interaction.

Additionally, ingredients in this supplement are metabolized by the same enzyme as Viagra, which could increase levels of both in your body.

This is a moderate interaction.

Can I take Active-PK if I am taking anti-depressants?

There are no known interactions between this supplement and anti-depressant medications.

Can I take Active-PK if I have a bleeding disorder?

It is best to avoid this supplement if you are taking blood thinners.

A few of the ingredients in this product may decrease your body’s clotting ability (thin your blood).

If you do choose to use this supplement monitor for signs and symptoms in increased bleeding including bruising and bleeding gums.

Can I take Active-PK with Caffeine or other stimulants?

There are no known interactions between this supplement and caffeine and other stimulants.

Can I take Active-PK if I am pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding?

One of the chemicals has been linked to possible birth defects.

Not enough is known about the safety of Active AMP during breast-feeding.

Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Are there any others medical reasons why I shouldn’t take this supplement?

Do not take this medication if you are taking Cyclosporine or any medications for organ transplant.

You should stop taking this supplement within two weeks of any surgery.

Possible Drug Interactions:

MAJOR:

• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Moderate:

• Blood Thinners and Antiplatelets
  • NSAIDS
    • ibuprofen
    • naproxen
  • Aspirin
  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Plavix (clipidogrel)
• Antibiotics
  • ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • enoxacin (Penetrex)
  • norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin)
  • sparfloxacin (Zagam)
  • trovafloxacin (Trovan)
  • grepafloxacin (Raxar)

• Antidiabetic medications
  • glimepiride (Amaryl)
  • glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase)
  • insulin
  • pioglitazone (Actos)
  • rosiglitazone (Avandia)
  • chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
  • glipizide (Glucotrol)
  • tolbutamide (Orinase)
  • and others
• Auto-Immune Medications (immunosuppressants for transplant, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, etc.)
  • azathioprine (Imuran)
  • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
  • mycophenolate (CellCept)
  • tacrolimus (Prograf)
  • sirolimus (Rapamune)
  • prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)
  • corticosteroids (prednisone, etc)
  • and others
• Medications metabolized by the liver:
  • Liver Enzyme 2C8
    • paclitaxel (Taxol)
    • rosiglitazone (Avandia)
    • amiodarone (Cordarone)
    • docetaxel (Taxotere)
    • repaglinide (Prandin)
    • verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
  • Liver Enzyme 2C9
    • amitriptyline (Elavil)
    • diazepam (Valium)
    • zileuton (Zyflo)
    • celecoxib (Celebrex)
    • diclofenac (Voltaren)
    • fluvastatin (Lescol),
    • glipizide (Glucotrol)
    • iibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
    • irbesartan (Avapro)
    • losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin),
    • piroxicam (Feldene)
    • tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
    • tolbutamide (Tolinase)
    • torsemide (Demadex)
    • warfarin (Coumadin)
    • and others.
  • Liver Enzyme 2D6
    • amitriptyline (Elavil)
    • clozapine (Clozaril)
    • codeine
    • desipramine (Norpramin)
    • donepezil (Aricept),
    • fentanyl (Duragesic)
    • flecainide (Tambocor)
    • fluoxetine (Prozac)
    • meperidine (Demerol)
    • methadone (Dolophine)
    • metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
    • olanzapine (Zyprexa),
    • ondansetron (Zofran)
    • tramadol (Ultram)
    • trazodone (Desyrel), and others.
  • Liver Enzyme 3A4
    • cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune)
    • lovastatin (Mevacor)
    • clarithromycin (Biaxin)
    • indinavir (Crixivan)
    • sildenafil (Viagra)
    • triazolam (Halcion)
    • and many others.
  • P-glycoprotein Substrates
    • diltiazem (Cardizem)
    • verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
    • digoxin (Lanoxin)
    • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
    • saquinavir (Invirase)
    • amprenavir (Agenerase)
    • nelfinavir (Viracept)
    • loperamide (Imodium)
    • quinidine,
    • paclitaxel (Taxol)
    • vincristine, etoposide (VP16, VePesid)
    • cimetidine (Tagamet)
    • ranitidine (Zantac)
    • fexofenadine (Allegra)
    • ketoconazole (Nizoral)
    • itraconazole (Sporanox)

8. Does Active-PK Work?

There is one big problem with choosing to buy Active-PK, and that’s the fact that there’s no research on the product itself.

When the makers say the product is backed by scientific research, this is research done by third-parties on the ingredients themselves.

There isn’t proof about the efficacy of this specific formulation or ingredients, especially in terms of meeting specific objectives such as losing belly fat.

It would be more helpful if Active-PK invested in their own, independent research looking at how their formulation works, as opposed to just using research that’s been done through the years on the individual ingredients.

While all of the ingredients do seem to have some great health benefits, it would be more useful to know if they are more or less effective when used together.

Our Personal Results

We have a woman named Rachel currently testing Active-PK.

Here’s what she has to say about the product so far:

Started Active-PK on Tues, Nov 13; it is now Tues Nov 20th.

I have had a surprising first week on the supplement.

I am eating a fairly high starch diet, while actively adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water, adding the juice from a lemon and three shakes of cayenne pepper with a cup of water before every meal.

In addition, I am mixing in fiber rich veggies while staying away from sugary fruits (for the most part).

I am eating a 1200 calorie diet, with one or two high calorie meals per week.

I do allow myself a little bit of chocolate a few times a week. Dove bites.

Most of the week I am intermittent fasting which means I am eating 6 times over 6 – 8 hours during the day; not eating after 6pm at any time.

I was 209 lbs on Nov 13. I am 204 lbs Nov 20th. Lost 6 pounds.

I have lost a full inch around my hips and a quarter inch off of my bust line.

During the week for the first time in years, I honestly did not crave sweets. Craziest thing!

I love sugar-free and sugar ‘sweet’ tasting foods.

I was not hungry between small meals and when I ate I was full quicker so I did not continue eating. I cannot say I had more energy.

In fact I was tired and took 3 naps last week.

I am 50, in good health, simply carrying some weight during menopause.

I am 5 ‘2 and currently in the morbidly obese BMI category.

I am taking a few hormones which has relieve most symptoms although it has not helped with my weight control or loss.

I look forward to another 6 lb loss this week.

Fingers crossed.

Update December 1

I was 209 lbs on Nov 13. I am 201 lbs Dec 1

This weekI have lost a full inch around my hips/ belly region.

All other areas remain the same as last week.

Do not crave sweets. Energy high. Thirsty a lot.

No unwanted side effects although I did have one headache.

That was odd as I never get head aches; but I believe it was stress related not med related. Thus far extremely happy with the product.

Active PK Customer Reviews

The LCR Health company lists some customer reviews on their site.

Some highlights include the fact that people who were already thin but wanted to trim up were able to achieve that.

Customers report having increased energy levels, and less of a desire to eat unhealthy foods.

Most customers seem to generally report that they do have energy and they have lost a few pounds.

However, some customers have said that it did cause stomach discomfort, especially when they first started using it.

Other than that, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of negative feedback on the product.

The biggest overall consensus among all customers seems to be not only the increase in energy, but also their changed eating habits, and the loss of cravings for fatty or unhealthy foods.

8. Recommendation

The individual ingredients in Active-PK seem like they could have some very beneficial health effects.

These ingredients could promote overall wellness and longevity and can help with a variety of conditions including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The three main ingredients in Active-PK seem to be backed by quite a bit of research showing their positive effects.

With that being said, for someone who is looking to lose a significant amount of weight or to do so quickly, that probably won’t happen with Active-PK.

One of the claims of Active-PK is that it will help people lose belly fat.

That could actually happen thanks to the primary ingredient, which is an adaptogen. Adaptogens help people maintain a healthy weight, but they also help regulate hormones, and combat stress and fatigue.

Hormonal imbalances and stress are two of the biggest reasons people hold onto belly fat, even when they don’t have a lot of fat in other areas.

The main ingredient in Active-PK could help with all of these specific reasons people struggle with belly fat.

Adaptogens can help balance the adrenal system and reduce the presence of stress hormones in the body.

The fact that an adaptogen is a main ingredient in this product is a big plus if you’re trying to decide whether or not to use it.

It also seems using Active-PK could promote good health and raise energy levels while reducing food cravings.

These effects in combination with one another could be good for losing a moderate amount of weight, but results probably wouldn’t include dramatic weight loss.

If you look around, you’ll see that some customers say they tried Active-PK and it didn’t work for them, but positive reviews seem to outweigh the negative for the most part.

At the end of the day, no two people are going to be affected the same way by any given supplement or drug and perceivable results are going to vary from person to person.

The product is also relatively expensive, so consumers could consider buying each individual ingredient separately to get the health effects of the herbal supplements included in the formulation.

While not necessarily ideal for huge amounts of weight loss, Active-PK could help users feel better, and it seems as if it would have very few if any side effects when used.

Since Active-PK comes with a money-back guarantee, for someone interested in the product, it could be worth giving it a try.

Have you tried Active-PK?

Leave your review below.

Additional References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4973318/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4855276/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2779044/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23801715

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264967/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3132561/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27187333

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685779/

Ask A Question

User Questions and Answers

HOW LONG DOES A PERSON HAVE TO BE ON ACTIVE PK ONCE TAKEN FOR THE INITIAL 2-MONTHS? -PINKY

It's up to you how long you take it, but it is only effective as long as you're using it.- Rob

Hi, I live in NZ and don't know where to find Active-PK or would you be able to do so Many tx J -Jeni

You can order it through the LCR Health website. They ship to New Zealand.- Rob

Dear sirs Can you ship active-pk to Portugal, please? If no, can you confirm any possible European site? Waiting your reply Dulce Campos -DULCE COSTA

SupplementCritique.com is a review website. You'll need to contact them directly.- Rob

Author: Rob Miller

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +. View all posts by Rob Miller

Medical Reviewer: Helen Okoye, MD

Dr. Helen Okoye is an American Public Health Physician, Health Care Executive, Researcher, Entrepreneur with a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD), an MBA in Healthcare Management, and a Masters in Epidemiology/Public Health). Her specific responsibilities for Supplement Critique including reviewing previously published articles for accuracy and relevancy. Her expert opinion was featured on NBC News for the President’s physical exam. Learn more about Dr. Okoye here. Follow here on Twitter and Instagram.