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Dietary Supplements in ObesityAka: Obesity Management with Dietary Supplements

See Also
General
1. Most studies on these agents are too short duration
2. Most studies have also been of low power
3. No strong evidence that any supplements are effective
Ineffective Agents (Avoid these)
1. Chitosan
  1. Pittler (1999) Eur J Clin Nutr 53:379
2. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
  1. Blankson (2000) J Nutr 130:2943
3. Chromium Picolinate
  1. Ineffective with risk of Rhabdomyolysis
  2. Vincent (2003) Sports Med 33:213
4. Fiber (guar gum, Psyllium)
5. Yerba mate
6. Licorice
7. Vitamin B5
8. L-Carnitine
9. Dandelion (diuretic)
10. Cascara (Laxative)
11. St. John's Wort (no effect on weight loss)
12. Laminaria (kelp)
13. Spirulina (blue green algae)
14. Goggul (myrrh tree extract)
15. Apple cider vinegar
Agents with inconsistent results or weak evidence
1. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid)
  1. Trials have shown conflicting results
2. Glucomannan (Dietary Fiber source)
  1. Modest weight loss in small trials
3. Hydroxymethylbutyrate or Pyruvate
  1. May increase Lean Body Mass
4. Yohimbine
5. Ginseng
  1. No evidence to date supporting weight loss role
  2. May improve glucose tolerance in diabetics
    1. Sotaniemi (1995) Diabetes Care 18:1373
6. Green tea
7. Pyruvate
8. Dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  1. Sex hormone precursor (Testosterone, Estrogen)
  2. May reduce abdominal fat
  3. May increase Insulin sensitivity
  4. Long-term safety unclear
    1. Risk of Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer
  5. References
    1. (2004) JAMA 292:2243
Agents with significant safety concerns (do not use)
1. Avoid Ephedra
  1. Significant adverse effects (see Ephedra for risks)
  2. Marginal benefit in weight loss (1 kg)
  3. Shekelle (2003) JAMA 289:1537
Resources
1. See Dietary Supplement Resources
References
1. Prittler (2004) Am J Clin Nutr 79:529
2. Saper (2004) Am Fam Physician 70:1731

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