Supplements decrease weight gain in obese men and women over a long period

Obesity is becoming an epidemic and accompanying it is a host of obesity related illnesses ranging from diabetes and high blood pressure to an increased risk of cancer. In this study researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer research Center in Seattle and from the Bastyr University Research Institute in Kenmore, Washington examined the supplementation habits in obese individuals taking part in a study of 15,655 total individuals. At the time of determining the outcome the subjects ranged from 53 to 57 years old and weight gain was estimated from the age of 45. The researchers looked at some commonly used supplements that may have ability to regulate weight. It was found that taking a multiple vitamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and chromium all significantly decreased an increase in weight in obese individuals if used long term for 10 years. An example would be chromium. When not used by obese men, they gained an average of 11.7 pounds, if they took a small amount of chromium daily (less than 150mcg per day) the weight gain dropped to 6.1 pounds, and if they took over 150 mcg a day they actually lost 3.1 lb simply by taking chromium. In women, not using chromium led to a 14.1 pound weight gain, using less than 150 mcg led to a 7.9 pound weight gain, and using greater than 150 mcg of chromium a day dropped the weight gain over 10 years to 3.2 pounds. The study is published in the October 2005 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

At the start of this study the impact of the supplements Green Tea Extract and CLA were not even thought of yet - studies show these both impact weight.

Magnesium important for maintaining healthy bones in the elderly

Broken bones due to bone thinning (osteoporotic fractures) is a significant problem in the elderly. In this study of 2038 people between the ages of 70 and 79 it was found that less than 26 percent consumed enough magnesium to meet the daily RDA between both diet and supplementation. IT was also found that for every 100mg increased intake of magnesium per day there was a 2% increase in whole-body bone mineral density. The advantage of taking magnesium supplements was associated in better bone mineral density in whites but African Americans were generally not taking supplements, were deriving their magnesium from the diet and were not showing benefit. The study is published in the November 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.