ABSTRACT
White kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts can aid weight management by reducing calorie intake from complex carbohydrates through alpha-amylase inhibition. We examined the impact of a proprietary aqueous extract from whole dried white kidney beans standardized by its alpha-amylase inhibitor activity (Phase 2 white kidney bean extract (WKBE)) on weight management in subjects with overweight and moderate obesity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion, 81 participants completed the study and ingested either a high dose of Phase 2 (1000 mg, WKBE HIGH), a low dose (700 mg, WKBE LOW), or a matching placebo (microcrystalline cellulose, PLA) three times a day, 30 min before meals, for 12 weeks during a calorie restricted diet. In a dose-dependent manner, Phase 2 significantly reduced body weight, fat mass, BMI, waist, hip and in the WKBE HIGH group thigh circumference. Phase 2 is an effective and safe supplement aiding weight and fat loss. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02930668.
Subject(s)
Phaseolus , Plant Extracts , Humans , Male , Female , Double-Blind Method , Phaseolus/chemistry , Middle Aged , Adult , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Weight Loss/drug effects , Obesity/drug therapy , alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors , alpha-Amylases/metabolism , Overweight/drug therapy , Plant LectinsABSTRACT
Dome matrix was designed with gastric and intestinal targeting capacities using melatonin and caffeine as model drugs, and alginate, chitosan and cellulose as composite materials. The melatonin, caffeine and intermediate hydroxypropylmethylcelluose-based dispersible modules were prepared through compaction. Caffeine piled module was capped at both ends with melatonin void modules via intermediate dispersible modules into Dome matrix. Dispersion of intermediate module detached melatonin module from Dome matrix and had it floated in stomach providing a more complete melatonin release due to favorable pH-pKa relationship of dissolution medium and drug. With reference to the caffeine module, the detachment of melatonin module facilitated its gastrointestinal transit as a reduced size matrix, with majority of caffeine delivered in colon. The dual site-targeted and -release Dome matrix is applicable as reference oral carrier for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, functional food and veterinary medicine where a complex formulation and performancein vivoare required.
Subject(s)
Chitosan , Melatonin , Alginates , Cellulose , Caffeine , Stomach , Hexuronic AcidsABSTRACT
The effect of the novel IQP-AE-103 (proprietary combination of dehydrated okra powder and inulin) on body weight reduction and the association with changes in microbiota composition were investigated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A total of seventy-two overweight or moderately obese subjects with a body mass index of ≥25 and <35 kg/m2 were randomly allocated to receive IQP-AE-103 or placebo; each group received two IQP-AE-103 or placebo capsules three times daily, respectively. Body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured, and fecal samples were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the fecal samples, the microbiota dissimilarity, diversity, and differences in relative abundance between or within groups were analyzed. At the end of the study, body weight was significantly reduced in the IQP-AE-103 group compared with the placebo group, 5.16 ± 2.39 kg vs. 0.97 ± 2.09 kg (p < 0.001). Subjects from the IQP-AE-103 group who achieved a reduction of ≥5% of total body weight from baseline (hereafter referred to as 5% responders or IQP5) had a mean body weight reduction of 6.74 ± 1.94 kg, significantly greater than the placebo group (p < 0.001). Using Lefse and statistical analysis, subjects in the IQP-AE-103 group had a significantly lower relative abundance of Firmicutes than the placebo group (p < 0.05) after 12 weeks of intervention. The 5% responders from the IQP-AE-103 group had a remarkable 4.6-fold higher relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila than the placebo group (p < 0.05). As the significant differences between groups were only observed post-intervention, the overall differences in microbiota profile suggest that the weight loss in overweight and moderately obese subjects who consumed IQP-AE-103 for 12 weeks is accompanied by a positive change in microbiota composition. These changes might be linked to the beneficial effects of microbiome modulations in alleviating obesity and metabolic syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report over-the-counter (OTC) supplementation that results in both significant changes in weight and favorable shifts on the subject microbiota profile. The trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT03058367.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit and tolerability of two dosages of a proprietary flaxseed mucilage (IQP-LU-104) in reducing body weight in overweight and moderately obese individuals. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, bi-center trial, 108 participants (body mass index [BMI] 25-<35 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to receive either IQP-LU-104 high dose (104HD), IQP-LU-104 low dose (104LD), or placebo. Participants were instructed to consume 1 sachet of the investigational product (containing IQP-LU-104 or matching placebo) before or with main meals twice daily and to follow a balanced but hypocaloric diet (20% reduction of individual's daily energy requirements) for 12 weeks. At week 0 (baseline), and weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the intervention periods, the participants' body weight, BMI, body fat composition, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Blood samples were collected for safety assessment at screening visit (week -2) and at the end of the study. Adverse events were assessed by the investigators through interviewing the participants and were recorded at every visit post screening. RESULTS: At the end of the 12-week study, body weight reduction was greater in the 104HD group (4.96 ± 1.89 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (3.70 ± 2.57 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) compared to the placebo group (1.33 ± 2.05 kg). 68% and 46% of participants in the 104HD group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (p = 0.002 vs. placebo), respectively, experienced at least 5% weight loss, compared to 9% of participants in the placebo group. Significant decreases in waist and hip circumferences were observed in both the 104HD and 104LD groups compared to the placebo group (each p < 0.001). 104HD group had significantly higher reduction in body fat mass (4.25 ± 5.86 kg) than the placebo group (1.06 ± 3.20 kg) (p = 0.002). Respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal symptoms were the main adverse events reported and none of the adverse events were related to the intake of IQP-LU-104. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrated IQP-LU-104 is safe and efficacious in body weight reduction at both dosages in overweight and moderately obese individuals.
Subject(s)
Flax , Overweight , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , Diet, Reducing , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Obesity/complications , Obesity/drug therapy , Overweight/drug therapy , Weight LossABSTRACT
Intense and prolonged exercise leads to immune suppression, causing upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). A proprietary standardized dietary supplement, IQP-AS-119 has been previously developed to aid immune responses under such conditions. The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of IQP-AS-119 on marathon runners. A total of 80 participants were randomized equally into groups receiving either placebo (P group) or IQP-AS-119 (V group) treatment, starting 3 weeks before and for 14 days after the marathon. Benefit assessment was performed using different questionnaires. Post-marathon, the V and P groups reported 1±2.38 and 2.11±3.25 days with upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS), respectively (P=0.038). During the 14 days post-marathon, 20.0% of the participants in the V group compared with 44.4% in the P group reported URTS (P=0.042). The V group reported significantly milder URTS compared with the P group on Days 9, 12, 13 and 14 post-marathon (P<0.05). The total Perceived Stress Questionnaire-20 score on days 2-14 were significantly lower for the V group compared with the P group (P=0.035). In the Short Form 12 Health Survey, the V group exhibited significant improvement in mental composite score on days -5 to 14 compared with the P group (P=0.038). In the overall treatment effect assessment, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The IQP-AS-119 was rated 'very good' or 'good' by investigators and participants, respectively, for 71 and 65% of the participants. The tolerability of IQP-AS-119 was rated as 'very good' or 'good' by both investigators and 95% of participants. No clinically relevant differences were observed between groups regarding adverse events or other safety parameters. Therefore, IQP-AS-119 was demonstrated to reduce the incidence and severity of URTI in marathon runners. Given its good tolerability profile, IQP-AS-119 may be a good nutritional supplement for the reduction of URTS in susceptible individuals.
ABSTRACT
Multi-particulate Dome matrix with sustained-release melatonin and delayed-release caffeine was designed to restore jet lag sleep-wake cycle. The polymeric pellets were produced using extrusion-spheronization technique and fluid-bed coated when applicable. The compact and Dome module were produced by compressing pellets with cushioning agent. Dome matrix was assembly of modules with pre-determined compact formulation and drug release characteristics. The physicochemical and in vivo pharmacokinetics of delivery systems were examined. Melatonin loaded alginate/chitosan-less matrix exhibited full drug release within 8 h gastrointestinal transit with low viscosity hydroxypropymethylcellulose as cushioning agent. The cushioning agent reduced burst drug release and omission of alginate-chitosan enabled full drug release. Delayed-release alginate-chitosan caffeine matrix was not attainable through polymer coating due to premature coat detachment. Admixing of cushioning agent high viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and high viscosity ethylcellulose (9:1 wt ratio) with coat-free caffeine loaded particulates introduced delayed-release response via hydroxypropylmethylcellulose swelled in early dissolution phase and ethylcellulose sustained matrix hydrophobicity at prolonged phase. The caffeine was released substantially in colonic fluid in response to matrix polymers being degraded by rat colonic content. Dome matrix with dual drug release kinetics and modulated pharmacokinetics is produced to introduce melatonin-induced sleep phase then caffeine-stimulated wake phase.
Subject(s)
Caffeine , Melatonin , Animals , Delayed-Action Preparations , Jet Lag Syndrome , Polymers , Rats , SolubilityABSTRACT
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/3412952.].
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical benefit and tolerability of IQP-AO-101 in healthy subjects with sleep complaints. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved fifty subjects with sleep complaints. Subjects with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score between 6 and 15 were randomized to receive either IQP-AO-101 or placebo for 6 weeks, following a run-in period of one week. Sleep parameters were assessed at baseline and after 1, 4, and 6 weeks using the modified Athens Insomnia Scale (mAIS). Subjects were also instructed to wear an activity tracker and keep a sleep diary during the study. Other questionnaires administered were the Frankfurt Attention Inventory (FAIR-2) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS-65). Blood samples for safety laboratory parameters were taken before and at the end of the study. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, subjects who consumed IQP-AO-101 reported significant improvements in mAIS scores compared with placebo, including mAIS total score (11.76 ± 6.85 vs 4.00 ± 4.80; p < 0.001); night parameters composite score (5.20 ± 3.80 vs 2.04 ± 3.16; p = 0.001); and day parameters composite score (6.56 ± 4.10 vs 1.96 ± 2.65; p < 0.001). All individual parameters (Items 1 to 8) were also significantly improved from baseline after 6 weeks of IQP-AO-101 intake. Analysis of variance with baseline values as covariates showed statistically significant improvements across all individual parameters for IQP-AO-101 when compared to placebo. The measurements using the activity tracker, sleep diary, FAIR-2, and POMS did not reveal any significant differences between groups. No adverse effects related to the intake of IQP-AO-101 were reported. Tolerability was rated as very good by all the subjects and by the investigator for all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, IQP-AO-101 was well tolerated and efficacious for promoting sleep and enhancing daytime performance in subjects with moderate sleep disturbances. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT03114696.
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study was performed to determine the efficacy and tolerability/safety of IQP-AE-103 on body weight reduction in overweight to moderately obese adults. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved one hundred and eight subjects (BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m2) that were randomly assigned to either the low-dose or the high-dose IQP-AE-103 group, or the placebo group. Following a 2-week run-in period, subjects received two capsules of investigational product after three daily main meals for 12 weeks. Subjects were instructed to maintain a nutritionally balanced hypocaloric diet according to the individual's energy requirement. Body weight, body fat, and waist and hip circumference were measured at baseline, and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Subjects also rated their feelings of hunger and fullness using visual analogue scales, and food craving on a 5-point scale at the same time intervals. Blood samplings for safety laboratory parameters were taken before and at the end of the study. Results: After 12 weeks of intake, the high-dose IQP-AE-103 group had a significantly greater weight loss compared with the placebo (5.03 ± 2.50 kg vs. 0.98 ± 2.06 kg, respectively; p < 0.001) and the low-dose group (3.01 ± 2.19 kg; p=0.001). The high-dose group experienced a decrease in body fat of 3.15 ± 2.41 kg compared with a decrease of 0.23 ± 2.74 kg for the placebo group (p < 0.001). High-dose IQP-AE-103 also decreased the feeling of hunger in 66% subjects. A beneficial effect of IQP-AE-103 on the lipid metabolism was also demonstrated in the subgroup of subjects with baseline total cholesterol levels above 6.2 mmol/L. No side effects related to the intake of IQP-AE-103 were reported. Conclusions: These findings indicate that IQP-AE-103 could be an effective and safe weight loss intervention. This trial is registered with NCT03058367.
Subject(s)
Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology , Inulin/pharmacology , Obesity/drug therapy , Overweight/drug therapy , Weight Loss/drug effects , Abelmoschus/chemistry , Adult , Body Weight/drug effects , Diet, Reducing , Dietary Supplements , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/physiopathology , Overweight/physiopathology , Phytotherapy , Treatment Outcome , Weight Loss/physiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder of unknown aetiology. There is currently no known cure, and pharmacological interventions are usually targeting symptomatic relief, where natural and herbal remedies also play a role. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit and tolerability of IQP-CL-101 in symptomatic IBS relief. A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over 8 weeks. A total of 99 subjects fulfilling ROME-III criteria for IBS were randomised into two groups, given either two IQP-CL-101 softgels or matching placebo twice daily before main meals. The primary endpoint was the difference in change of IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) after an 8-week intake of IQP-CL-101 compared to placebo. After 8 weeks, subjects on IQP-CL-101 showed a significant reduction in IBS-SSS (113.0 ± 64.9-point reduction) compared to subjects on placebo (38.7 ± 64.5-point reduction) (p < 0.001). A significant improvement could be seen as early as 4 weeks. No serious adverse events were reported throughout. IQP-CL-101 can be considered beneficial in the improvement of IBS symptom severity, regardless of IBS type, and therefore able to improve quality of life in patients suffering from abdominal pain and discomfort. © 2017 The Authors. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Subject(s)
Biological Products/therapeutic use , Gastrointestinal Agents/therapeutic use , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/drug therapy , Abdominal Pain/drug therapy , Adult , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Phytotherapy , Quality of Life , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Litramine (IQP-G-002AS) was shown to be effective and safe for weight loss in overweight and obese subjects. However, long-term effectiveness on maintenance of body weight loss has yet to be ascertained. OBJECTIVE: To assess effect of Litramine on maintenance of body weight loss. METHODS: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial on overweight and obese patients was conducted over two sites in Germany for 24 weeks. Subjects with documented previous weight loss of 3% over the last 3-6 months were randomised to groups given either Litramine (3 g/day) or a matching placebo. Primary endpoints were difference of mean body weight (kg) between baseline and end of study and maintenance of initially lost body weight in verum group, where maintenance is defined as ≤1% weight gain. RESULTS: Subjects who were taking Litramine lost significantly more body weight compared to the subjects taking placebo who gained weight instead (-0.62 ± 1.55 kg versus 1.62 ± 1.48 kg, p < 0.001). More importantly, 92% of subjects in Litramine group were able to maintain their body weight after initial weight loss, versus 25% in placebo group. No serious adverse events were reported throughout. CONCLUSION: Litramine is effective and safe for long-term body weight maintenance. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01505387.
Subject(s)
Anti-Obesity Agents/therapeutic use , Body Weight/drug effects , Dietary Fiber/therapeutic use , Obesity/prevention & control , Plant Preparations/therapeutic use , Weight Loss/drug effects , Adult , Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology , Body Mass Index , Cyclodextrins/pharmacology , Cyclodextrins/therapeutic use , Dietary Fiber/pharmacology , Double-Blind Method , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/drug therapy , Plant Preparations/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Sedentary lifestyle and caloric overconsumption are the key determinants of the escalating obesity prevalence. Reducing dietary fat absorption may help to induce a negative energy balance and thus help in managing weight problem. Apart from approved drug therapies, weight problems may also be aided with alternative and natural treatments. This paper compiled and reviewed the efficacy and safety of Litramine IQP-G-002AS, an Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) derived fiber, in reducing dietary fat absorption and promoting weight loss. Evidence reviewed shows that Litramine IQP-G-002AS displays efficacy in promoting fat excretion and weight loss in four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies (including an unpublished pilot study). With a daily dosage of 3 g over a seven-day period, Litramine IQP-G-002AS showed an increased faecal fat excretion compared with placebo (15.8% (SD 5.8%) versus 4.6% (SD 3.1%); P < 0.001). In a 12-week study, significant greater weight loss (3.8 kg (SD 1.8 kg) versus 1.4 kg (SD 2.6 kg); P < 0.001) was observed in overweight and obese subjects treated with Litramine IQP-G-002AS as compared to placebo. No relevant gastrointestinal side effects have been reported for Litramine IQP-G-002AS at the dosages studied.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) fiber was shown to promote weight loss in a 3-month clinical investigation. As demonstrated by in vitro studies, cactus fiber binds to dietary fat and its use results in reduced absorption, which in turn leads to reduced energy absorption and ultimately the reduction of body weight. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to elucidate the dietary fat binding capacity of cactus fiber through determination of fecal fat excretion in healthy volunteers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This clinical investigation was performed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy subjects for a period of approximately 45 days. Twenty healthy volunteer subjects were randomized to receive cactus fiber or placebo, 2 tablets thrice daily with main meals. All subjects were provided with meals during the study period (except washout) according to a standardized meal plan, with 35% of daily energy need coming from fat. Two 24-hour feces samples were collected during both the baseline and treatment periods for analysis of the fat content. RESULTS: Cactus fiber showed an increased fecal fat excretion compared with placebo (mean [SD] = 15.79% [5.79%] vs 4.56% [3.09%]; P < 0.001). No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Cactus fiber has been shown to significantly promote fecal fat excretion in healthy adults. The results of our study support the hypothesis that cactus fiber helps in reducing body weight by binding to dietary fat and increasing its excretion, thus reducing dietary fat available for absorption. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01590667.
ABSTRACT
IQP-GC-101 is a patented blend of the standardized extracts of Garcinia cambogia, Camellia sinensis, unroasted Coffea arabica, and Lagerstroemia speciosa. These individual ingredients of IQP-GC-101 have each shown promise in promoting weight loss; however, the efficacy of the blend has not been established. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study conducted over 14 weeks (including a 2-week run-in phase) aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of IQP-GC-101 in reducing body weight and body fat mass in overweight Caucasian adults. Subjects took three IQP-GC-101 or placebo tablets, twice a day, 30 min before main meals. All subjects also adhered to a 500 kcal/day energy deficit diet with 30% of energy from fat. Ninety-one overweight and mildly obese subjects (46 in the IQP-GC-101 group, 45 in the placebo group) completed the study. After 12-week intervention, IQP-GC-101 resulted in a mean (±SD) weight loss of 2.26 ± 2.37 kg compared with 0.56 ± 2.34 kg for placebo (pU = 0.002). There was also significantly more reduction in body fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the IQP-GC-101 group. No serious adverse events were reported. The use of IQP-GC-101 has been shown to result in body weight and body fat reduction in the current study, with good tolerability.
Subject(s)
Anti-Obesity Agents/therapeutic use , Body Weight/drug effects , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Weight Loss/drug effects , Adiposity , Adult , Body Mass Index , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/drug therapy , Overweight/drug therapy , Waist CircumferenceABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The safety and efficacy of IQP-PV-101, a proprietary extract of Phaseolus vulgaris, on weight management in two phases was evaluated here. The weight loss (WL) phase was conducted over 12 weeks and the weight maintenance (WM) phase took 24 weeks. METHODS: In the double-blind WL phase, subjects were randomized to receive either IQP-PV-101 or placebo. All subjects adhered to a mildly hypocaloric diet. Body weight and other body composition parameters were measured at baseline and every 4 weeks thereafter. During the single arm, open label WM trial, energy intake was ad libitum. Efficacy parameters were measured at baseline, week 12 and week 24. RESULTS: At the end of the WL study, the IQP-PV-101 group lost a mean of 2.91 ± 2.63 kg in body weight compared with 0.92 ± 2.00 kg in the placebo group (P < 0.001). During the WM phase, 36 out of 49 subjects (73.5%) were able to maintain their weight, even without dietary restrictions. No serious or related adverse events were reported over the combined period of 36 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that IQP-PV-101 is safe and effective for weight loss and maintenance.
Subject(s)
Phaseolus/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Weight Loss/drug effects , Adolescent , Adult , Body Composition , Body Mass Index , Diet, Reducing , Double-Blind Method , Energy Intake , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Germany , Humans , Male , Meals , Middle Aged , Obesity/drug therapy , Waist Circumference , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nasya/Prevalin is a natural, drug-free nasal spray for treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. Because of its thixotropic property, it forms a barrier on the nasal mucosa, preventing allergen contact. This study assesses the clinical efficacy and safety of Nasya/Prevalin in a nasal provocation test with house dust mite allergens. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 20 subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis because of house dust mite allergens received a single dose of Nasya/Prevalin or saline spray before allergen challenge. Total nasal symptom score and total ocular symptom score were assessed 15, 30, 60, 75, 90, 120 and 240 min after challenge. Further, the appearance of the mucosa was examined by rhinoscopy. RESULTS: A single treatment with Nasya/Prevalin led to a significant reduction of TNSS at 60, 75 and 90 min after dust mite allergen challenge as compared with placebo (pVCAS = 0.021, pVCAS = 0.035, pVCAS = 0.036, respectively). Mucosa changes assessed by the rhinoscopic score (on swelling, secretion and colour) were significantly worse in the placebo group compared with the Nasya/Prevalin group (P = 0.033). Nasya/Prevalin was well tolerated, and the safety was comparable with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with Nasya/Prevalin was effective in preventing allergic reactions induced by dust mite allergen challenge.
Subject(s)
Nasal Sprays , Rhinitis, Allergic/prevention & control , Administration, Intranasal , Adult , Antigens, Dermatophagoides , Bentonite , Double-Blind Method , Female , Gels , Glycerol , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nasal Provocation Tests , Phosphates , Plant Oils , Polysaccharides, Bacterial , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: A proprietary natural fiber complex (Litramine IQP G-002AS) derived from Opuntia ficus-indica, and standardized on lipophilic activity, was previously shown in preclinical and human studies to reduce dietary fat absorption through gastrointestinal (GI) fat binding. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of IQP G-002AS in body weight reduction. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-five overweight and obese adults participated in the study. Subjects were advised on physical activity, and received nutritional counseling, including hypocaloric diet plans (30% energy from fat and 500 kcal deficit/day). After a 2-week placebo run-in phase, subjects were randomized to receive either 3 g/day of IQP G-002AS (IQ) or a placebo. The primary endpoint was change in body weight from baseline; secondary endpoints included additional obesity measures and safety parameters. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three subjects completed the 12-week treatment phase (intention-to-treat (ITT) population: 30 male and 93 female; mean BMI: 29.6 ± 2.8 kg/m(2) and age: 45.4 ± 11.3 years). The mean body weight change from baseline was 3.8 ± 1.8 kg in IQ vs. 1.4 ± 2.6 kg in placebo (P < 0.001). More IQ subjects lost at least 5% of their initial body weight compared to placebo (P = 0.027). Compared with placebo, IQ also showed significantly greater reduction in BMI, body fat composition, and waist circumference. IQ was well tolerated with no adverse reactions reported. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the natural fiber complex Litramine IQP G-002AS is effective in promoting weight loss.