(P32-023-23) Characterization of Ingredients in Thermogenic and Weight Loss Supplements

Objectives: Weight loss and thermogenic dietary supplements are purported to promote weight loss by increasing metabolic activity. This study characterized the identity and quantity of common supplement ingredients.

Methods: Commercially available products (n=98) whose name, label, or packaging referenced promotion of thermogenesis or weight loss were identified by a web search or at retail outlets. Reviewers created a list of product ingredients that was divided into 6 possible categories with ingredient quantity based on packaging. Extracts included raw plants, foods, proprietary “blends”, etc. Small molecule isolates included caffeine, melatonin, resveratrol, etc. The remaining 4 ingredient categories were lipids, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.

Results: Product suggested serving size was 13±16 grams (40±71 Cal). Green tea (521±1334 mg), cayenne (57±46 mg) and black pepper (5±2 mg) extracts were the most common, with 22 ingredients of 137 extracts being quantified 3 or more times. Caffeine (181±58 mg), acetyl-L-carnitine (595±368 mg) and L-carnitine (510±345 mg) were the most common small molecule isolates, with 11 of 49 total ingredients quantified in in at least 3 products. There were 18 different lipid or fatty acid ingredients with only linoleic (740±718 mg) and lipoic (250±235 mg) acids being quantified in at least 3 products. Chromium (268±282 mcg), calcium (156±110 mg), and iodine (145±85 mg) were the most common minerals, with 10 of 14 minerals quantified in at least 3 products. Cobalamin (49±78 mcg), pyridoxine (8±8 mg) and folate (390±252 mcg) were the 3 most common vitamins, with 5 of 13 vitamins quantified in at least 3 products. Alanine (2133±924 mg), tryptophan (60±40 mg) and tyrosine (250±229 mg) were the most common amino acids, with 3 of 9 amino acids quantified in at least 3 products. Ingredients were indicated as “present” but not quantified 541 times. Proprietary formulas or blends were ingredients in 44 of the 98 products.

Conclusions: The 98 thermogenic and weight loss products contained a tremendous variety of ingredients, although only 53 of the 240 different ingredients were present in 3 or more products. Variable ingredient content and quantity, complicate blanket claims about function, efficacy, or safety. Future evaluations of ingredient contents should determine if specific amounts confer discernable benefits.

Funding Sources: None