Dietary Supplements For Weight Loss Research Articles

A study on verifying the effectiveness of 4-week composite weight-loss dietary supplement ingestion on body composition and blood lipid changes in middle-aged women

A study on verifying the effectiveness of 4-week composite weight-loss dietary supplement ingestion on body composition and blood lipid changes in middle-aged women

Human Ether-à-go-go Related Gene (hERG) Channel Blocking Aporphine Alkaloids from Lotus Leaves and Their Quantitative Analysis in Dietary Weight Loss Supplements.

Blockage of the human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) channel can result in life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia. In an in vitro screening of herbal materials for hERG blockers using an automated two-microelectrode voltage clamp assay on Xenopus oocytes, an alkaloid fraction of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) leaves induced ∼50% of hERG current inhibition at 100 μg/mL. Chromatographic separation resulted in the isolation and identification of (-)-asimilobine, 1, nuciferine, 2, O-nornuciferine, 3, N-nornuciferine, 4, and liensinine, 5. In agreement with in silico predicted ligand-target interactions, 2, 3, and 4 revealed distinct in vitro hERG blockages measured in HEK293 cells with IC50 values of 2.89, 7.91, and 9.75 μM, respectively. Because lotus leaf dietary weight loss supplements are becoming increasingly popular, the identified hERG-blocking alkaloids were quantitated in five commercially available products. Results showed pronounced differences in the content of hERG-blocking alkaloids ranging up to 992 μg (2) in the daily recommended dose.

Dietary supplements for obesity

Almost 80 million American adults are obese, with rates highest in adults aged 40 to 59 years. 1 Socioeconomic status is also linked to obesity. Lower income and potentially lower levels of education are associated with greater risks of being overweight. The health care costs for obesity have been estimated at $178 billion in 2008. 1 Although new prescription drugs have been approved for the treatment of obesity, concerns remain about their long-term safety and ef cacy. As a result, many patients who are overweight or obese commonly consider using dietary supplements for weight loss.

Dietary Supplement Type is Associated with Either Positive or Negative Self‐Reported Mental Health Status in Armed Forces Personnel

Most (~70%) Armed Forces personnel consume dietary supplements (DS). We investigated associations between multiple classes of DS and mental health status using the 2011 DoD Survey of Health Related Behaviors (N = 39,887). The survey assessed self‐reported depression, anxiety, anger, stress, post‐traumatic stress, risk taking, resilience and overall affect. Associations between DS type and mental health measures were examined with logistic regression (P < 0.01). Weight loss DS use was associated with higher depression (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15,1.54), anxiety (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.30,1.63), anger (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.34,1.86), stress (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21,1.45), post‐traumatic stress (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.34,1.95), risk taking (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.30,1.74) and lower overall affect (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.59,0.82). Herbal DS use was associated with higher anxiety (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09,1.37), stress (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12,1.33), post‐traumatic stress (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11,1.65) and risk taking (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.23,1.65). Bodybuilding DS use was associated with greater risk taking (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18,1.52) and resilience (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10,1.68). Users of individual vitamins/minerals reported lower anxiety (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79,0.95) and stress (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82,0.94). DS use may be associated with either positive or negative mental health status, depending on the class of DS used. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy of the Department of Army, Defense, or US Government. Support: US MRMC/DoD Center Alliance for DS Research.

A unique case of autoimmune hepatitis: Can dietary weight-loss supplements act as toxin-induced precipitants?

Introduction: Dietary and weight loss supplements have been shown to cause acute hepatitis through toxic liver injury. Herein, we present a case of a woman who was found to have both acute hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in the setting of ingesting a popular weight loss supplement, Hydroxycut®. Case Report: A 29-year-old female without significant past medical history presented to our hospital with three weeks of abdominal pain, decreased appetite and jaundice. She intentionally lost 15 pounds in the last four months using two weight loss supplements, Hydroxycut and Herbalife. Initial lab work at her primary care physician’s office revealed AST of 2409 U/L, ALT of 2000 U/L, TBili of 15.1 md/dL. She was advised to go to the emergency room given her physician’s concern for liver injury. In the hospital, her vital signs were within normal limits (WNL) and her physical exam revealed jaundice, scleral icterus and mild epigastric tenderness, without encephalopathy. After other etiologies of acute hepatitis were ruled out, autoimmune panels were ordered which revealed an elevated

Green Tea

Dietary weight loss supplements include a wide range of ingredients. Many ingredients are derived from natural food sources such as green tea. This article presents the composition, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of green tea as a dietary aid to weight loss in overweight and obese adults. While green tea appears to promote energy expenditure and fat oxidation, safety concerns exist when it is consumed as a dietary supplement. Until more evidence-based research is conducted to determine which formulations and dosages are the safest and most effective, green tea should be used with caution as an aid for weight loss.

Expectancy, Self-Efficacy, and Placebo Effect of a Sham Supplement for Weight Loss in Obese Adults

This study examined the role of expectancy in the placebo effect of a sham dietary supplement for weight loss in 114 obese adults with metabolic syndrome. All participants received lifestyle education and were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions: (1) a daily placebo capsule and told that they were taking an active weight loss supplement, (2) daily placebo and told they had a 50% random chance of receiving either the active or placebo, or (3) no capsules. At 12 weeks, weight loss and metabolic outcomes were similar among the 3 groups. Participants in both groups that took capsules showed decreased weight loss self-efficacy and increased expectations of benefit from dietary supplements. Participants not taking capsules showed the opposite. Adverse events were more frequently reported in groups taking capsules than those who were not. These findings suggest that supplements without weight loss effects may have nocebo effects through diminished self-efficacy.

Dietary Supplement Linked to Cases of Acute Hepatitis

A dietary supplement marketed as a weight loss and bodybuilding aid has been linked to dozens of cases of acute hepatitis and at least 1 death in Hawaii, according to national and state public health authorities. News of a cluster of nonviral hepatitis cases in Hawaii broke September 26, when the state�s health department alerted residents of cases of liver inflammation and liver failure linked to use of dietary supplements for weight loss or bodybuilding. By October 8, both the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued alerts linking the cases to a product called OxyElite Pro, which is sold nationwide by a Texas-based manufacturer. All 3 agencies were warning individuals to avoid using this supplement until further information is available.

Hydroxycut Weight Loss Dietary Supplements: A Contributing Factor in the Development of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in Three U.S. Army Soldiers

Exertional rhabdomyolysis is an enigmatic syndrome with multiple risk factors and a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes. Dietary supplements containing caffeine may potentiate the rhabdomyolysis cascade, and present an area of attainable prevention. Presented are three cases of soldiers using the weight loss supplement brand, Hydroxycut; patient education regarding caffeine and supplement safety may shield against morbidity and delayed soldier readiness associated with overcaffeination.

Simultaneous determination of pharmaceutical components in dietary supplements for weight loss by capillary electrophoresis tandem mass spectrometry

A simple capillary electrophoresis tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 20 pharmaceutical components such as cathartics and appetite suppressants in dietary supplements for weight loss. This method allowed multidrug target screening and confirmation in differing radically in chemical structure. The separation was achieved on an uncoated fused-silica capillary using 20 mM ammonium formate in 20 % v/v acetonitrile-water (pH 8.0) as the electrolyte, followed by detection mixed with a sheath liquid that consisted of a mixture of 5 mM ammonium formate and 0.1 % v/v formic acid in 50 % v/v methanol-water. Samples were hydrodynamically injected and separated at 30 kV within 25 min. The limits of detection were 1.0-750 µg/g for the target analytes. The method was successfully applied to 12 dietary supplements for weight loss and 3 non-prescription drugs. The proposed method was suitable as the determination and identification of pharmaceutical components in dietary supplements for weight loss.

Hydroxycut – Dietary supplements for weight loss: Can they induce mania?

Hydroxycut – Dietary supplements for weight loss: Can they induce mania?

Attitudes and behaviors of overweight or obese US Army Soldiers

The US Army is experiencing increasing rates of overweight and obesity. Understanding the factors associated with obesity within an environment of imposed weight restrictions and physical fitness is imperative. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of 832 overweight or obese active duty US Army Soldiers attending weight loss classes at Ft Bliss, TX in 2011–2012. The data included responses to a questionnaire on attitudes and behaviors regarding weight control. The mean age of Soldiers was 28.7 ± 7.4 years and 86% were male. 67% of Soldiers were obese and 33% were overweight. Obese Soldiers were more likely to be older, male, and non‐Hispanic black (p<0.01). Obese Soldiers were more likely to binge eat (p<0.0001) and tended to consume more juice or sugar‐sweetened beverages (p=0.06) than overweight Soldiers. Obese Soldiers had greater reported prevalence of anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (p<0.05). Past use of over‐the‐counter medications or dietary supplements for weight loss was higher among obese Soldiers (49% vs. 40%, p=0.02). Eating due to emotions or stress was higher among obese Soldiers (35% vs. 28%, p=0.03). Obese Soldiers were more likely to be in the earlier stages of readiness to change behaviors (p=0.01). These results suggest a role of stress in obesity of Soldiers, and highlight the importance of assessing individual attitudes and readiness in weight control.

Subchronic and reproductive toxicity of whole dried Hoodia parviflora aerial parts in the rat

Hoodia parviflora is being developed commercially for use in weight loss food and dietary supplement products. As part of the safety assessment process for H. parviflora, a freeze dried powder preparation was tested in a 90-day oral toxicity study with reproductive/recovery component in rats. Groups of 10 male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered H. parviflora dried powder at doses of 0, 100, 250, and 350 mg/kg body weight/day by gavage for an 11-week pre-mating period and a 14-day co-habitation period, and for females, through lactation day 4. An additional 5 rats/sex/group received 0 or 350 mg/kg bw/day for 90 days and were sacrificed 28 days after cessation of treatment. Statistically significant, non-adverse reductions in body weight, body weight gain, food consumption and food efficiency were observed at 250 and 350 mg/kg/day in females. Food consumption was reduced in high-dose males. There were no adverse effects on hematological, blood biochemical, coagulation or urinalysis parameters or on the results of the functional observational battery and histopathological examinations. No evidence of any effect was noted on reproductive or developmental parameters. The NOAEL for dried H. parviflora powder was 350 mg/kg bw/day, the highest permissible dose tested, for both male and female rats.

Potential Toxicity of Caffeine when Used as a Dietary Supplement for Weight Loss

ABSTRACTBackground: Caffeine is added to dietary supplements to increase energy and suppress appetite. Many people take dietary supplements for weight loss. Patients may be unaware that supplements can contain caffeine, even if caffeine is not listed as an ingredient. Commonly used herbal dietary supplement ingredients, such as guarana, are natural sources of caffeine. Objective: To describe a case of possible caffeine-induced seizure in a patient taking an over-the-counter weight loss supplement. Case Report: A previously healthy 38-year-old female experienced blurring of vision and a new onset grand mal seizure. The patient had a two-month history of taking the dietary supplement, Zantrex - 3™. Zantrex - 3™ is advertised as a weight loss supplement which may provide rapid weight loss and extreme energy in one “power packed pill.” Conclusions/Summary: After discontinuation of Zantrex - 3™, the patient experienced no further seizure activity. Outpatient follow up at 2 and 6 weeks was noncontributory with follow up MRI and EEG both within normal limits.

Genotoxicity of dried Hoodia parviflora aerial parts

Hoodia parviflora is being developed commercially for use in weight loss food and dietary supplement products. Its effects are ascribed to a number of glycosides that have been shown to be present in plant extracts from several Hoodia species, the best known of which is H. gordonii. H. parviflora has been identified as an alternative to H. gordonii, and, as part of the process to develop H. parviflora, in vitro genotoxicity tests, as recommended by recent European Food Safety Authority guidance, were conducted on a dried powder preparation of H. parviflora aerial parts. The preparation was tested for reverse mutation at doses up to 5,000μg/plate in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537, and in Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA TA, both in the presence and in the absence of an exogenous source of metabolic activation (rat liver S9). In addition, the dried powder was evaluated in an in vitro cytotoxicity chromosome aberration assay using human lymphocytes. Test conditions included both a 4 (up to 2500μg/mg) and 44-h exposure period (up to 1000μg/mg) and the incorporation of an exogenous source of metabolic activation (4-h exposure only). H. parviflora dried powder was non-genotoxic in both in vitro assays.

901 – Pump it up; is it worth it?

The US Drug Enforcement Agency maintains a tight leash on drugs of abuse and has already banned newer designer drugs like Spice and Bath Salts. However, there is increase in the use of a new drug called pump it (PI). There is some evidence that it contains Geranamine Methylhexamine (DMAA). This is a report of a patient who exhibited unusual behavior after using PI. A 40-yo male was brought to the Emergency Room after he stabbed himself in the abdomen using a knife sustaining laceration to the liver. Psychiatry consult was requested for attempted suicide. The patient had total amnesia surrounding the event. Collateral information from the wife revealed that his pupils were widely dilated and he appeared agitated, paranoid and diaphoretic just before stabbing himself. Six weeks prior, he began snorting to self detoxify himself from opioids. He experienced a 40 lb. weight loss, severe insomnia and impulsive behavior translating into dangerous acts like medication overdose and walking into oncoming traffic. He had no such symptoms prior to using PI. Geranamine is a stimulant is presumed to act by releasing norepinephrine . It is used as a dietary supplement for weight loss and energy gain. It has been reported to produce paranoia, hallucinations, mood lability and seizures. Substance induced mood disorder should be considered as a differential diagnosis of suicide attempt and clinicians should be aware about the fact that some “dietary supplements” may pose severe danger to patients.

Potential Toxicity of Caffeine When Used as a Dietary Supplement for Weight Loss

ABSTRACTMany dietary supplements being promoted for weight loss contain caffeine- or ephedra-related alkaloids to increase energy and suppress appetite. People may be unaware that supplements can contain caffeine, even if caffeine is not listed as an ingredient. Commonly used herbal dietary supplement ingredients, such as guarana, are natural sources of caffeine. Additions of these natural sources of caffeine to dietary supplements have increased in recent years. We describe a case of possible caffeine-induced seizure in a patient taking an over-the-counter weight loss supplement. A previously healthy 38-year-old female experienced blurring of vision and a new onset grand mal seizure. The patient had a 2-month history of taking the dietary supplement, Zantrex-3™. Zantrex-3™ is advertised as a weight loss supplement, which may provide rapid weight loss and extreme energy in one “power packed pill.” Zantrex-3™ is a proprietary blend containing niacin, caffeine, and various herbs. After presenting to the hospital emergency room, the patient's chemistry panel, with the exception of potassium (2.9 mEq/L), was within normal limits. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was unremarkable. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed possible atrophy in the right frontal lobe. Findings from follow-up MRI and EEG ordered as an outpatient were within normal limits. After discontinuation of Zantrex-3™, the patient has experienced no further seizure activity.

Atypical clinical course of pneumonia in a patient with ummunodeficiency, iron-deficient anemia and dietary supplement intake

A clinical case pneumonia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a patient with iron-deficiency anemia and previous intake of a dietary supplement for weight loss is presented, including results of examinations, observation and treatment. A 22 years old female was admitted with complaints on dyspnea, dry cough, malaise, «pulsing» head ache at the back of the head, vertigo while walking, fever up to 39 °С during the previous 3 days. Basing on the results of chest X-ray and laboratory examination the diagnosis of «Community-acquired subtotal right-sided pneumonia of mixed origin, severe clinical course, respiratory failure grade III, complicated by toxic shock syndrome, toxic pulmonary edema, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy stage I. Acute cardiac failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute iron-deficiency anemia. Acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis. Obesity, II degree» was set up. In spite of active treatment patient’s condition deteriorated due to intoxication, cardiac failure and respiratory distress progress. Autopsy revealed that the patient has died of severe viral pneumonia, although such an extensive pneumonia is not typical for a 22-year old patient. Severe pneumonia development may be explained by immunodeficiency intensified by acute iron-deficiency anemia, which can be a possible side effect of previous intake of a dietary supplement for weight loss and alimentary factors.

Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis of African Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) Seeds, Extract, and Related Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements based on an extract from Irvingia gabonensis (African mango, AM) seeds are one of the popular herbal weight loss dietary supplements in the U.S. market. The extract is believed to be a natural and healthy way to lose weight and improve overall health. However, the chemical composition of AM-based dietary supplements (AMDSs) has never been reported. In this study, the chemical constituents of AM seeds, AM seeds extract (AMSE), and different kinds of commercially available AMDSs have been investigated using an ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry method. Ellagic acid, mono-, di-, and tri-O-methyl-ellagic acids, and their glycosides were found as major components in AM seeds. These compounds may be used for quality control of AM extract and related dietary supplements.

Qualitative screening for adulterants in weight-loss supplements by ion mobility spectrometry

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) served as a rapid, qualitative screening tool for the analysis of adulterated weight-loss products. We have previously shown that sibutramine extracted into methanol from dietary supplements can be detected at low levels (2ng) using a portable IMS spectrometer, and have adapted a similar method for the analysis of additional weight-loss product adulterants. An FDA collaborative study helped to define the limits for fluoxetine with a limit of detection of 2ng. We also evaluated more readily available, less toxic extraction solvents and found isopropanol and water were comparable to methanol. Isopropanol was favored over water for two reasons: (1) water increases the analysis time and (2) aqueous solutions were more susceptible to pH change, which affected the detection of sibutramine. In addition to sibutamine and fluoxetine, we surveyed 11 weight-loss adulterants; bumetanide, fenfluramine, furosemide, orlistat, phenolphthalein, phentermine, phenytoin, rimonabant, sertraline and two sibutramine analogs, desmethylsibutramine and didesmethylsibutramine, using portable and benchtop ion mobility spectrometers. Out of these 13 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), portable and benchtop ion mobility spectrometers were capable of screening products for 10 of these APIs. The developed procedure was applied to two weight-loss dietary supplements using both portable and benchtop instruments. One product contained didesmethylsibutramine while the other contained didesmethylsibutramine and phenolphthalein.