Carlon M. Colker

Effects of Citrus aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort on body fat loss, lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Citrus aurantium extract (an indirect beta-sympathicomimetic agent), caffeine, and St. Johns Wort on body composition, metabolic variables, plasma lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults. In a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 23 subjects with a body-mass index >25 kg/m 2 were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Group A received C aurantium extract 975 mg, caffeine 528 mg, and St. Johns Wort 900 mg daily; group B received a maltodextrin placebo; and group C received nothing and served as the control group. For 6 weeks, subjects were instructed by a registered dictitian on how to follow an 1800-kcal/d American Heart Association Step One diet and performed a 3-day/week circuit training exercise program under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. During the exercise sessions, subjects achicved approximately 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Compared with subjects in the placebo and control groups, subjects in the treatment group lost a significant amount of body weight (1.4 kg). They also lost a significant amount of body fat (an average change of 2.9%). In terms of actual fat loss, group A lost a significant amount (3.1 kg), whereas the control group demonstrated a tendency toward fat loss. No significant changes were noted in the results of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire for fatigue or vigor in any of the 3 groups. Group A expericnced a decrease, which did not reach statistical significance, of both plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. No significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiographic findings, serum chemistrics, or urinalysis findings were noted in any of the groups. Based on these results, it was concluded that the combination of C aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. Johns Wort is safe and effective when combined with mild caloric restriction and exercise for promoting both body weight and fat loss in healthy overweight adults.

The effects of pyruvate supplementation on body composition in overweight individuals.

A 6-wk, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was done to ascertain the effects of pyruvate supplementation (6 g/d) on body weight, body composition, and vigor and fatigue levels in healthy overweight Caucasian men and women. Twenty-six individuals were randomly assigned to a placebo group (seven men, seven women) and a pyruvate-supplemented group (three men, nine women). In addition, all subjects participated in a 3 d/wk exercise program, which consisted of a 45-60 min aerobic/anaerobic routine. After 6 wk of treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in body weight (-1.2 kg, P<0.001), body fat (-2.5 kg, P<0.001), and percent body fat (23.0% pre versus 20.3% 6 wk post) in the pyruvate group. Furthermore, Profile of Mood States fatigue and vigor scores improved significantly for the pyruvate group (P<0.05) at 6 wk (vigor) and 4 and 6 wk (fatigue). There was no significant change in total lean body mass in the pyruvate group. The placebo group demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.05) for POMS vigor at 2 and 4 wk with no changes occurring in any of the remaining parameters measured. Thus, the ingestion of 6 g of pyruvate for 6 wk, in conjunction with mild physical activity, resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and fat mass.

Effects of a weight-loss aid in healthy overweight adults: double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of an ephedrine- and synephrine-based compound on body mass, body composition, metabolic variables, and mood states in healthy overweight adults. Methods: Thirty subjects with a body mass index > 27 kg/m 2 were assigned randomly to the experimental group or the placebo group. The experimental group received a capsule containing ephedrine alkaloids 20 mg, synephrine 5 mg, caffeine 200 mg, and salicin 15 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, whereas the other group received a matching placebo. A registered dietitian instructed all patients about a 22-kcal/kg National Cholesterol Education Program Step One diet. In addition, all patients performed a cross-training exercise program 3 days per week under the guidance of an exercise physiologist. During the exercise sessions, patients achieved ∼70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Results: The experimental group had a significantly greater weight loss compared with the placebo group (3.14 kg vs 2.05 kg, respectively; P P = 0.005). Both groups achieved a significant reduction in fat-free mass; however, the reduction in the placebo group was greater than that of the experimental group. This suggests a muscle-sparing effect in the experimental group. No significant changes in blood pressure, serial electrocardiograms, pulse rate, serum chemistry, or caloric intake were noted. Conclusions: These findings indicate the apparent safety and efficacy of the ephedrine- and synephrine-based compound within the confines of this study.

Effects of a milk-based bioactive micronutrient beverage on pain symptoms and activity of adults with osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation

OBJECTIVES A 6 wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a nutritional supplement beverage containing milk-based micronutrients and fortified with vitamins and minerals on pain symptoms and activity in adults with osteoarthritis. METHODS Thirty-one subjects with osteoarthritis of both knees were randomized into two groups and given 12 oz daily of the micronutrient-containing beverage or a placebo for 6 wk. Subjects were instructed not to change their normal activities and diets. Body weights, vital signs, blood chemistries, and adverse events were monitored to assess safety. The principal outcome measurement for efficacy was the Western Ontario MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) derived from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire administered weekly. RESULTS Safety indicators remained unchanged in the test and placebo groups. All KOOS scores improved significantly (P < 0.03) over time in the micronutrient group, whereas scores only for sport function and knee-related quality of life improved in the placebo group. The overall treatment effect (based on changes in the WOMAC composite score) was significant (P = 0.016). The effect size was moderate at 0.555. CONCLUSIONS Thus, daily consumption of the nutritional beverage containing milk-based micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals was beneficial in alleviating symptoms and dysfunction in subjects with osteoarthritis.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone in Healthy Overweight Adults

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone (7-oxo-DHEA) in healthy overweight adults. Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled protocol, 30 adults (28 women and 2 men; mean age, 44.5 ± 11.5 years) with a mean body mass index of 31.9 ± 6.2 kg/m 2 were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15: Group 1 received 7-oxo-DHEA 100 mg twice daily and Group 2 received placebo for 8 weeks. All subjects participated in an exercise training program 3 times per week. Each exercise session consisted of 60 minutes of cross-training (aerobic and anaerobic exercise) under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. In addition, each subject was instructed to follow a diet of ~1800 kcal/d (20 kcal/[kg · d]) by a registered dietitian. Subjects received biweekly dietary counseling to encourage compliance. Study participants underwent serum multiple-assay chemistry testing, as well as body composition, blood pressure, and dietary analysis at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results Of the 30 subjects who entered the study, 23 completed the 8-week protocol. Seven subjects dropped out for personal reasons unrelated to the study. Group 1 lost a significant amount of body weight compared with Group 2 (−2.88 kg vs −0.97 kg; P = 0.01) over the 8 weeks. Group 1 also achieved a significant reduction in body fat compared with Group 2 (−1.8% vs −0.57%; P = 0.02). The rate of change in body fat per 4-week interval in Group 1 was 3.1 times that in Group 2 (−0.88% vs −0.28%; P P = 0.04). There were no significant changes in levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyroxine (T4) in either group. In addition, no significant changes were observed in vital signs, blood sugar, testosterone and estradiol levels, liver and renal function, or overall caloric intake during the study. No subjective adverse effects were reported throughout the study. Conclusions The results of the study suggest that 7-oxo-DHEA combined with moderate exercise and a reduced-calorie diet significantly reduces body weight and body fat compared with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet alone. In addition, 7-oxo-DHEA significantly elevated T3 levels but did not affect TSH or T4 levels, indicating that it does not adversely affect thyroid function in the short term.

Effects of supplemental protein on body composition and muscular strength in healthy athletic male adults

Abstract Objective The purpose of this double-blind, randomized study was to assess the effects of supplemental whey protein with or without added l-glutamime and branched-chain ainino acids on body mass, body composition, and exercise performance for a 10-week period. Methods Sixteen healthy athletic male adults were separated into 2 groups where they received either whey protein 40 g/d (group 1) or a combination of 40 g of whey protein with 5 g of l-glutamine and 3 g of branched-chain ainino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) per day (group 2). Each subject was instructed to follow a diet, created by a registered dietitian, that restricted food protein intake to 1.6 g/kg body weight. In addition, all participants engaged in hypertrophy resistance exercise training under the guidance of an exercise physiologist. At baseline, week 5, and week 10, each subject underwent body composition and exercise performance testing. Results Compared with group 1, group 2 gained a significant amount of body mass (1.25 kg; P ≤ 0.05) over the 10 weeks. During the first 5 weeks, group 2 gained a significant amount of fat-free mass (0.72 kg; P = 0.05) compared with group 1. At 10 weeks, group 2 exhibited a trend toward gaining fat-free mass (1.6 kg). No significant changes were noted comparatively for change in percent body fat. In terms of exercise performance (bench press repetitions), group 2 improved significantly ( P = 0.001) compared with group 1 after 10 weeks of supplementation. Group 2 also exhibited a trend over 10 weeks compared with group 1 for improvement in leg press repetitions (9.13 vs 5.13). Conclusions Results of the present study suggest that whey protein combined with glutamine and branched-chain amino acids, in addition to resistance exercise, leads to improved body composition and exercise performance.

EFFECT OF PYRUVATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON BODY COMPOSITION AND MOOD

A 6-week, double-masked, placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the effects of pyruvate supplementation on body weight, body composition, and vigor and fatigue levels in overweight men and women. Subjects were separated into one of three groups: pyruvate (6 g/d), placebo (maltodextrin 6 g/d), and control (received nothing). In addition, each subject participated in a circuit weight training and aerobic exercise program three times per week, 45.5 minutes per day. After 6 weeks of treatment, a significant decrease in fat mass (2.1 kg) and percent body fat (2.6%), and a significant increase in lean body mass (1.5 kg) were noted in the pyruvate group. The placebo and control groups did not demonstrate significant changes in fat mass, percent body fat, or lean body mass. In addition, Profile of Mood States-fatigue scores decreased significantly after 6 weeks in the pyruvate and placebo groups; Profile of Mood States-vigor scores increased significantly only in the pyruvate group. The ingestion of pyruvate 6 g/d for 6 weeks, along with regular exercise, can reduce body fat, increase lean body mass, and improve fatigue and vigor scores.

A Comparitive Study of A 1500 Calorie 40/30/30 Diet VS. 1500 Calorie Step 1 Diet on Body Composition and Blood Parameters in Overweight Adults

Abstract Twenty-nine overweight men and women (body mass >25) participated in this six week outpatient study. The participants were randomized to either a 1500 calorie 40/30/30 diet [40%CHO] (n=14) or a 1500 calorie Step 1 diet [60% CHO] (n=15). The 40/30/30 diet consisted of 40% CHO, 30% protein, 30% fat, the Step I Diet consisted of 60% CHO, 15% protein, and 25% fat. All subjects participated in Universal Circuit Training™, one hour, three times per week supervised by an exercise physiologist. All subjects met two to four times (avg.=3) over six weeks with a registered dietitian for review and analysis of compliance to the study diets. Both groups lost a significant amount of weight (p 1 C, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, or triglycerides during the study. Profile of Mood States (POMS) for fatigue and vigor was also analyzed in both study groups with the following results: 44% reduction in fatigue (p 0.05). The changes within the 60% CHO group did not achieve significance in either fatigue or vigor. In conclusion, the 1500 calorie 40/30/30 diet resulted in a significantly greater fat and weight loss compared with the 1500 calorie Step 1 diet over six weeks.

Effects of Pyruvate On Body Composition and Lipid Levels of Overweight Individuals

Abstract This six week double blinded, placebo-controlled study was done to ascertain the effects of low dose pyruvate supplementation (6 grams/day) on body weight, body composition, metabolic rate, and total cholesterol in healthy overweight men and women. Twenty-six individuals were randomly assigned to a placebo [PLA] group (7 men, 7 women) and a pyruvate-supplemented [PYR] group (3 men, 9 women). In addition, all subjects participated in a three day a week exercise program which consisted of a 60minute aerobic/anaerobic routine with an exercise physiologist. Both groups were instructed and followed a 2000 calorie diet as evaluated weekly by the registered dietitian. After six weeks of treatment there was a statistically significant decrease in body weight (−1.2kg; p