Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Abdominal Lean Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Cardiovascular Research

Abdominal Lean label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Abdominal Lean against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Abdominal Lean is a dietary supplement by Cardiovascular Research with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support in type 2 diabetes, weight loss and appetite control, insulin sensitivity.Based on those ingredients, 1,168 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gymnema sylvestre, Garcinia cambogia extract, Vanadium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Abdominal Lean contains 7 active ingredients. Chromium helps your body use blood sugar and is rated likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for type 2 diabetes.

L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that's effective for L-carnitine deficiency and possibly effective for heart conditions like congestive heart failure and angina. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, though evidence for its use in digestive support isn't established in our data.

Chitosan is a fiber from shellfish that's possibly effective for weight management. Garcinia cambogia extract contains hydroxycitric acid, though evidence for weight loss and other uses is not established.

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb, though evidence for blood sugar control is not established in our data. Vanadium is a mineral rated likely effective for vanadium deficiency.

The product also contains inactive ingredients—gelatin and magnesium stearate—as capsule material and binder.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Weight management and abdominal fat support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Metabolic syndrome, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: L-carnitine is rated "Effective" for L-carnitine deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Likely Effective" for Chromium deficiency.
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes.

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Chromium is likely effective for treating chromium deficiency and possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, though it didn't show reliable benefit in prediabetes.

L-carnitine is effective for L-carnitine deficiency and possibly effective for heart conditions. Vanadium is likely effective for vanadium deficiency.

For the others—Lipase, Chitosan, Garcinia, and Gymnema—the evidence in our data is either insufficient or not established. None of these four has strong evidence supporting their use for obesity, blood sugar control, or digestive support.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Lipase L-carnitine Chitosan Garcinia Gymnema Vanadium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical doses, but there are important cautions. Chromium can cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches, insomnia, and mood changes; rare cases of kidney or liver damage have been reported.

L-carnitine commonly causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and a fish-like body odor. Chitosan may cause constipation, diarrhea, or nausea.

Garcinia has rare reports of liver injury, and a case of mania has been linked to its use. Gymnema carries a rare report of drug-induced hepatitis.

Vanadium at high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset and, long-term, kidney damage. Lipase is generally well tolerated but has limited safety data.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding: the product facts advise against chromium supplementation in pregnancy and breastfeeding beyond diet. Chitosan, Garcinia, and Gymnema should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data.

L-carnitine and Vanadium have no pregnancy/breastfeeding data on file—discuss with your doctor. Lipase safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been well studied.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Lipase L-carnitine Chitosan Garcinia Gymnema Vanadium

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 6 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chitosan, Vanadium, Garcinia, Gymnema, Chromium, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,169 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Abdominal Lean, double-check your medications against these types: serotonergic drugs like antidepressants (Major risk of serotonin syndrome from Garcinia); antidiabetes drugs and insulin (Moderate risk of low blood sugar from Chromium, Garcinia, Gymnema, and Vanadium); levothyroxine/thyroid hormone (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness); blood thinners including warfarin and acenocoumarol (Moderate risk of bleeding from L-carnitine, Chitosan, Garcinia, and Vanadium); and drugs metabolized by your liver's CYP450 enzymes (Gymnema may raise or lower their levels). If you're on any of these, bring this product with you when you talk to your pharmacist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Abdominal Lean is best suited for people without diabetes, thyroid conditions, or bleeding disorders who aren't on blood thinners or serotonergic antidepressants. If you take any prescription medications—especially for blood sugar, thyroid, blood thinning, or mood—you need to check this product against your specific drugs before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Abdominal Lean, straight from the product label.

Brand Cardiovascular Research
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2013
DSLD ID 22346
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Chromium200 mcg167%
Lipase5 mg--
L-Carnitine200 mg--
Chitosan500 mg--
Garcinia cambogia extract500 mg--
Gymnema sylvestre100 mg--
Vanadium200 mcg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

ABDOMINAL LEAN is a scientifically-designed nutritional supplement containing a unique blend of herbs and enzymes in conjunction with the essential nutrient L-Carnitine.

11010473 EXP0114

Formulation

Free of corn, soy, yeast, wheat, sugar, starch, coloring agents or artificial flavoring.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS Take one or two capsules before meals or as directed by a physician.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

ECOLOGICAL FORMULAS

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Abdominal Lean label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Polynicotinate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...

Chromium monograph & interactions

Lipase

No known
interactions
5 mg per serving

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

L-Carnitine

Interacts with
19 drugs
200 mg per serving

L-carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and also gets from foods like meat. It helps cells turn fat into energy, and supplements are most...

L-Carnitine monograph & interactions

Chitosan

Interacts with
3 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Shellfish

Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evi...

Chitosan monograph & interactions

Garcinia cambogia extract

Interacts with
704 drugs
500 mg per serving

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific eviden...

Garcinia cambogia extract monograph & interactions

Gymnema sylvestre

Interacts with
851 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Gymnemic Acids std ext

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human stu...

Gymnema sylvestre monograph & interactions

Vanadium

Interacts with
208 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: {vanadium} aspartate, {vanadium} pentoxide

Vanadium is a trace mineral found in tiny amounts in food, and people get plenty from a normal diet. Supplement claims for diabetes, weight, and athle...

Vanadium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Abdominal Lean?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,168Drugs
819 Moderate 349 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Gymnema sylvestre 851
Garcinia cambogia extract 704
Vanadium 208
Chromium 178
L-Carnitine 19

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Abdominal Lean interact with 1,168 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

6 of the 7 ingredients in Abdominal Lean interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gymnema sylvestre Garcinia cambogia extract Vanadium Chromium L-Carnitine Chitosan

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Abdominal Lean with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Gymnema sylvestre6 drug types · 851 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking gymnema with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs. However, other research in adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome suggests that gymnema does not reduce fasting levels of blood glucose. Until more is known, monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Animal and in vitro research shows that gymnema can inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme. In one animal study, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days increased the plasma concentrations of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, by about 1.4-fold and reduced the clearance of phenacetin by about 29%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal research shows that gymnema can induce the CYP2C9 enzyme. In one animal study, gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Theoretically, taking gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, taking gymnema with tolbutamide might the decrease levels of tolbutamide.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
One in vitro study using rat liver microsomes shows that gymnema can modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, other in vitro research using human liver microsomes shows that gymnema does not affect CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that gymnema does not alter the function of CYP3A4. In one study in rats, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days did not alter the clearance of amlodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Gymnema sylvestre full monograph & interactions

Garcinia cambogia extract4 drug types · 704 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
HCA inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro. The inhibitory effect seems to be greater in platelets extracted from diabetic subjects than non-diabetic subjects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
HCA reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in animal models, theoretically by delaying glucose absorption. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
There have been reports of acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes associated with garcinia, when taken alone or in combination with other ingredients. Case reports collected from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network suggest this risk may be greater in people who carry the HLA B*35:01 allele.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
In one report, a patient experienced serotonin syndrome after taking garcinia extract (60% hydroxycitric acid) 1000 mg daily in combination with escitalopram 20 mg, which had been taken for a year. The patient was switched to sertraline 50 mg daily and again experienced serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Garcinia cambogia extract full monograph & interactions

Vanadium2 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, vanadium might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that the sodium orthovanadate form of vanadium prolongs clotting time, likely through inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, vanadium might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A few very small clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes show that the vanadyl sulfate form of vanadium increases insulin sensitivity and might lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Vanadium full monograph & interactions

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chromium full monograph & interactions

L-Carnitine3 drug types · 19 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation with concomitant use. In one case, a 33-year-old male with a previously stable INR had an elevated INR of 4.65 after L-carnitine was started and continued for 10 weeks. INR normalized after discontinuation of the L-carnitine-containing product.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, L-carnitine might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
L-carnitine appears to act as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist by inhibiting entry of thyroid hormone into the nucleus of cells. Taking L-carnitine also seems to diminish some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, a shorter-acting oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin. There is not enough information to know whether this interaction occurs with L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Carnitine full monograph & interactions

Chitosan2 drug types · 3 drugs

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Chitosan can reduce the absorption of acyclovir, potentially increasing the risk for treatment failure.
Clinical research in humans shows that taking chitosan along with acyclovir 200 mg reduces acyclovir absorption. Concomitant administration of chitosan 400 mg or 1000 mg reduced the acyclovir area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by about 30% and 40%, respectively, compared with control. Concomitant administration with chitosan 1000 mg also increased time to peak concentration from 1 hour to 2 hours. In vitro research suggests that the mechanism for reduced absorption is due to acyclovir entrapment in chitosan-mucus complexes, which reduces intestinal absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In a case report, a patient taking warfarin had a significantly increased international normalized ratio (INR) after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily. The INR normalized after chitosan was discontinued and vitamin K was administered. The patient once again started taking chitosan and again had a significant increase in INR. The INR stabilized again once chitosan was discontinued. Researchers theorize that this interaction might occur because chitosan decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K, which could increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chitosan full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Abdominal Lean, from the product label.

Cardiovascular Research

See all Cardiovascular Research products
Name
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH, LTD.
Street Address
1061-B SHARY CIRCLE
City
CONCORD
State
CA
ZipCode
94518
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research: Common Questions

Does Abdominal Lean by Cardiovascular Research interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Abdominal Lean has a known interaction with 1,168 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Abdominal Lean contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does Abdominal Lean work for weight loss?
The main ingredients linked to weight loss are Chitosan (possibly effective) and Garcinia (not established in our data). Neither has strong evidence. Chromium is possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, and L-carnitine is rated possibly effective for heart health—neither is rated for weight loss.
Can I take Abdominal Lean if I have type 2 diabetes?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Chromium, Garcinia, Gymnema, and Vanadium all theoretically increase the blood sugar-lowering effect of diabetes medications and insulin, raising your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor or pharmacist needs to know you're taking this.
What's the fish smell I've heard about L-carnitine?
A small number of people taking L-carnitine report a fish-like body odor. It's one of the most common side effects, though not everyone experiences it. It typically goes away if you stop taking it.
Is it safe to take Abdominal Lean while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Chromium, Chitosan, Garcinia, and Gymnema should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding based on insufficient safety data. L-carnitine and Vanadium have no pregnancy/breastfeeding data on file, so discuss with your doctor. Lipase safety while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea or constipation, stomach cramps, and gas. Chromium may also cause headaches, insomnia, or mood changes. L-carnitine can cause the fish-like body odor mentioned above.
Can Abdominal Lean damage my liver?
Garcinia and Gymnema each carry rare reports of liver injury (hepatitis or hepatotoxicity). These are uncommon, but if you develop jaundice, dark urine, or extreme fatigue while taking this product, stop and see your doctor right away.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Abdominal Lean label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Abdominal Lean’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Chromium

Interacts with 178 drugs

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control in certain people with type 2 diabetes, b...

Read the full Chromium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...

Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

L-carnitine

Interacts with 19 drugs

L-carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and also gets from foods like meat. It helps cells turn fat into energy, and supplements are most clearly useful for people with a true ca...

Read the full L-carnitine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chitosan

Interacts with 3 drugs

Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evidence for these benefits is weak, and an...

Read the full Chitosan monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Garcinia

Interacts with 704 drugs

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific evidence is weak and mixed, with most studies...

Read the full Garcinia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gymnema

Interacts with 851 drugs

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human studies are encouraging for blood sugar sup...

Read the full Gymnema monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vanadium

Interacts with 208 drugs

Vanadium is a trace mineral found in tiny amounts in food, and people get plenty from a normal diet. Supplement claims for diabetes, weight, and athletic performance are not well proven, and...

Read the full Vanadium monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Abdominal Lean's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 183 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chromium 53 references
  1. Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, et al. Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:428-31. PubMed
  2. Urberg M, Zemel MB. Evidence for synergism between chromium and nicotinic acid in the control of glucose tolerance in elderly humans. Metabolism 1987;36:896-9. PubMed
  3. Mohamedshah FY, Moser-Veillon PB, Yamini S, et al. Distribution of a stable isotope of chromium (53Cr) in serum, urine, and breast milk in lactating women. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67:1250-5. PubMed
  4. Wasser WG, Feldman NS, D'Agati VD. Chronic renal failure after ingestion of over-the-counter chromium picolinate. [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1997;126:410. PubMed
  5. Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. PubMed
  6. Anderson RA. Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:548-55. PubMed
  7. McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RN. Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patients. J Clin Psych 1999;60:237-40. PubMed
  8. Fowler JF Jr. Systemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate. Cutis 2000;65:116. DOI
  9. Trent LK, Thieding-Cancel D. Effects of chromium picolinate on body composition. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995;35:273-80.
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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