Vitamin Supplements and Weight Loss
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008
The British Journal of Nutrition recently reported on some studies relating to weight loss and vitamin supplements.
(Geneviève C. Major, Eric Doucet, Mélanie Jacqmain, Myriam St-Onge, Claude Bouchard and Angelo Tremblay (2008). Multivitamin and dietary supplements, body weight and appetite: results from a cross-sectional and a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. British Journal of Nutrition, 99, pp 1157-1167
doi:10.1017/S0007114507853335)
Some of the conclusions they reached were that males who took vitamin supplements while on a weight loss diet had a lower body weight, lower fat mass, and lower BMI (body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.) They also concluded that men who took dietary supplements were likely to have a greater resting energy expenditure, meaning that they burned more calories, even at rest.
The study noted that similar effects were noted in women, but “not to a statistically significant extent.” Women did have less hunger, and postprandial appetite ratings were markedly reduced (a scientific sounding way to say they were less hungry after eating) in women taking multi-vitamin and mineral supplements.
So it seems like a good idea to include a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement as part of any weight loss plan.
Talk to your local medical provider or nutritionist to find out what supplement is right for you.
This information is not a substitute for competent medical advice, if you have any medical problems, discuss them with your doctor.