EFFECT OF THERMOGENIC DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ON RESTING METABOLIC RATE IN HEALTHY MALE AND FEMALE VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

711 Weight modification may be affected through diet, exercise, and/or increasing resting metabolic rate. While it is clear that diet, exercise, and the interaction of diet and exercise may impact resting metabolic rate (RMR), little work has been done to investigate the impact of thermogenic dietary supplements on RMR. Therefore, the intent of this study was to examine the effect of dietary supplements on multiple body indicators. Twenty healthy volunteers, 10 male and 10 female, ages 18 - 42, who had been exercising regularly for at least 2 months, participated in this study. Two supplement drinks formulated to increase metabolic rate were tested in a double-blind placebo (P)-controlled trial. Participants ate a controlled diet for one day prior to each treatment session. Each treatment session measurements lasted for 3 h. Formula A (FA) contained the herbs Ephedra sinensis (ephedra), Paullinia cupana (guarana), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Pausinystalia yohimbe (yohimbe), and the antioxidant quercetin. Formula B (FB) contained the herbs Citrus aurantium (zhi shi), Schizonopeta tenuifolla (jing jie), Ledebouriella divaricata (fang feng), guarana, green tea, yohimbe, and the antioxidant quercetin. The following were measured for each treatment: RMR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), body core temperature (BCT), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pre and posttest mood state (MS), and volitional activity (VA). RMR increased significantly with FA vs. P at each 15-min time interval. Total RMR for 195 min increased significantly for both FA and FB vs. P. RER decreased significantly toward fat burning with both FA and FB vs. P. BCT increased significantly with FA vs. P. BCT also increased significantly with FB vs. P. HR was elevated significantly with FA vs. P. BP was elevated significantly following FA vs. P and FB vs. P. FA and to a lesser extent, FB, were effective in elevating resting metabolic rate suggesting potential for further investigation as adjuncts in a diet/exercise weight loss program.