Supplements Slow Middle-Age Spread

Sep 15, 2004 01:05 PM EDT

According to a recent study four common supplements may slow weight gain in middle-age adults.

The study, presented to the annual meeting of American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in Seattle, reviewed questionnaire responses from about 15,000 people, average age 55, in Washington state. They provided information about their vitamin, mineral and herbal supplement use over the previous 10 years, along with details about diet, physical activity and medical history.


Fourteen supplements researched

Fourteen supplements were selected for review by the researchers. The supplements included multivitamins, fiber pills, soy, gingko, St. John¡¯s Wort, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, chromium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Respondents were assigned one of three body weight categories at age 45: normal, overweight or obese.





Using the survey data, the researchers then correlated body weight changes from age 45 to 55 with the consumption of any of 14 supplements subjects had been taking during the same 10 year period.


The study concluded that the people who had taken multivitamins, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and chromium had less weight gain over the previous 10 years than other respondents. That slowed weight gain was most evident among people who'd been categorized as overweight or obese at the start of the 10-year period.

Reference:

1. healthscout.com