OxyELITE Pro is a brand-name supplement marketed as a “thermogenic fat burner” or “energy metabolism booster.” Each tablet contains multiple ingredients, including 100 mg of caffeine, and there may be additional ingredients not listed. Yours is a good question, because many weight-loss supplements make claims of effectiveness without reliable scientific evidence.

The FDA lists caffeine as a substance “generally recognized as safe.” However, the FDA has established a maximum concentration for caffeine in cola beverages of 32.4 mg per 6 oz or 65 mg per 12 oz. Other than in colas, the caffeine content of food and beverages is not regulated. It is important to read labels for caffeine content as well as other ingredients, and OxyELITE Pro’s label includes important instructions and warnings.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database’s evidence-based rating, OxyELITE Pro received a score of 6 on a scale of 1 (lowest rating) to 10 (highest rating) for overall safety, effectiveness, and product quality. Its rating is related to the effects of its known ingredients (including caffeine), but its effectiveness for weight loss has not been evaluated. It is also very likely to be contaminated.

In general, we discourage against the use of this and other comparable products because of the possibility of contamination, as has seen with weight loss supplements, and low score for effectiveness. You can learn more about how to make informed decisions about dietary supplements and natural products from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. HPRC makes it available to all active-duty personnel. Click on the Natural Medicines icon on HPRC’s home page, choose the Consumer version from the next page, and follow the instructions to create an account using your .mil e-mail address. The Natural Medicines Database is the "scientific gold standard" for evidence-based information about dietary supplements and natural medicines, including drug interactions, effectiveness, safety, use, and more.

You may also be interested in reading the article by the Food and Drug Administration titled "Tainted Weight Loss Products," which provides additional information about harmful products promoted for weight loss. In addition, the Air Force Space Command Public Affairs website has an article that discusses dietary supplement use by Air Force personnel.

We have consulted with the appropriate personnel within the USAF and have attached the current list “Official Air Force Approved Aircrew Medications.” The documents are maintained under Policy or the Aerospace section on the AF Knowledge Exchange. The list is updated at least annually or more often if needed.

Here is the PDF list of substances from the "Official Air Force Approved Aircrew Medications" [PDF].