Diane:  Maybe Tom Hale has a different opinion, but I think I can help
here. First, let me say, that I am of the school that nearly anything
(barring radioactive or ergot substances) is better than weaning, but there
are some serious side-effects that a mom should know about to make informed
consent.  Once she is fully informed, it is her decision as to how to
proceed.
Regarding:
"Thermo Chrome 5000 with chromium picolinate and L-Carnitine. It contains
sida cortifolia concentrate (with 12mg natural occuring ephedrines), white
willow,ginseng, ginkgo Biloba, ginger, kelp, gotu kola, beet powder, saw
palmetto, hawthorne berry, l-carnitine, boron proteinate, chromium
picolinate. Thermo Chrome is touted to help with energy levels, wt loss,
arthritis, even lupus, etc."

Naturally occurring ephedrines (including Ma Huang or ephedra) are banned
in two states in the US because of recent deaths stemming from the abuse of
Extasy (natural "high" pill).
Ginseng is not considered a "safe" substance for long-term use in lactating
women because of it's steriodal properties.
Kelp, depending on its source, can be contaminated (but so can anything
else); moreover though, in high doses it can trigger hyperthyroidism if it
has high iodine levels.
>
"The next one is called OPC-3 (oligo proanthocyanidins) and contains grape
seed, red wine, pine bark, and bilberry extract with bioflavonoids(citrus
extracts).It is supposed to help overall nutritionally- some are using it
for attention deficit disorders and going off of ritalin!"

Oligo proanthoCYANIDins can be toxic in large doses, but I doubt the
potency is that high in this preparation.  Pine bark in it's processed and
reduced form has lots of oils/solvents in it (some terpintine is dervived
from pine trees).

I don't see anything potentially dangerous in the next one.  My only
concern in any supplement is whether it throws off the balance of the body
or restores it.  And, of course, why is it that someone feels they need
this (many people do need them, but a careful assessment should be made).
>Finally, an isotonic B-12 formula containing 120 mcg Cobalamin(B-12), 400
mcg Folic acid, 40 mg magnesium carbonate, and 99 mg potassium carbonate.
B-12 is supposed to boost energy levels and help with depression.

Chris

: )   :  )   : )  : )   :  )   : )  : )   :  )   : )  : )   :  )   : )  : )

: )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC  email: [log in to unmask]  : )
: )HSR & Health Educational Consultant        voice/fax: 541 753 7340   : )
: )             **CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**
: )   :  )   : )  : )   :  )   : )  : )   :  )   : )  : )   :  )   : )  : )