Polyphenol Supplement Linked to Weight Loss, Improved Well-being in Overweight People

A recent study suggests that taking a polyphenol-rich supplement may help decrease total body fat mass, preserve lean mass, and contribute to overall wellbeing in overweight and slightly obese individuals.

Participants in the study included 33 people between the ages of 30 and 50 who were given either 1 gram of the supplement containing grapefruit extract, grape extract, yerba mate extract, green tea extract, and black carrot extract or a placebo daily for four months. Well-being was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Index and components from the Short Form-36 questionnaire. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

At the conclusion of the study, the supplement group had a 67% improvement in well-being and a 43% improvement in sleep quality. They also had an 80% improvement in functioning capacity, and a 10% improvement in general physical health perception. The supplement group also had improvements of over 7% in lean-to-fat mass ratio.

Researchers from the Catholic University of Murcia and FYTEXIA conducted the study. It was published online ahead of print on February 23, 2017, in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.

Polyphenol intake has been linked with a variety of health benefits, including helping with weight management and reducing inflammation. Polyphenols can be found naturally in many foods, including honey, a variety of fruits and vegetables, red wine, chocolate, tea, certain oils and many types of grain.