Hibiscus ingredient shows potential in reducing body weight and fat mass

29 Jan 2020 --- Metabolaid, a highly purified Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora extract ingredient, has been found to help support overweight individuals in reducing body weight and fat mass. The clinical study was endorsed by botanical ingredients and personalized nutrition solutions provider Monteloeder, the producer of the ingredient. The proprietary formula has been recognized for its high polyphenol content, which has previously linked to healthy weight management. Moreover, the study also concluded that Metabolaid was able to reduce body weight and fat mass, regardless of physical activity and without a controlled diet.

“The results of the Metabolaid study demonstrates that the ingredient is effective in helping to decrease weight and reduce body fat, particularly in the abdominal area,” notes Jonathan Jones, Product Development Manager at Monteloeder. 

“We are particularly encouraged by the fact that these results were achieved without change to diet or physical activity. They are also purportedly based on the mechanism of the ingredient in regulating activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that plays an important role in cellular energy balance,” Jones explains.

Metabolaid appears to target the regulation of AMPK, allowing for improved glycemic and lipid regulation in the body. According to Monteloeder, the activation of AMPK may increase basal metabolic rate, along with energy expenditure, resulting in “burning off’’ excess body fat.  

Metabolaid appears to target the regulation of AMPK, allowing for improved glycemic and lipid regulation in the body.The 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of Metabolaid on 84 overweight male and female subjects and was published in the MDPI Foods journal. 

A blood analysis was performed to monitor glycemic and lipidemic parameters and body composition was determined for each participant using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. The scan is touted by the company as being the gold-standard in body composition assessment. 

The study has been conducted as part of an EU-funded project awarded to Monteloeder, called INNOPREFAT. This project is part of a Small Medium Enterprises instrument that awards up to €2.5 million to the most innovative and groundbreaking ideas. Less than 5 percent of submitters are granted a project. 

Weight regulation as a trend
Weight regulation is a major concern among consumers and has led to a slew of innovative NPD targeting weight loss. Keto-friendly products especially are having a moment, with industry having taken note of the ketogenic diet trend. NutritionInsight has previously reported on the trending diets of the new year, such as Intermittent Fasting (IF) and the ketogenic diet.

In the same spirit, a UK-based study found that Beneo’s low-glycemic carbohydrate may support the additional loss of body weight and fat mass in overweight and obese adults when replacing sucrose in a weight loss diet. The sugar beet-derived carbohydrate – Palatinose – has the potential to steer the metabolism toward fat burning, the study’s researchers noted.

However, many nutritionists claim that there is “no silver bullet ingredient for weight loss” and a healthy diet on a calorie deficit is the best option. In this space, research from the University of Otago, New Zealand found that overweight adults following the Mediterranean, IF and paleo diets were able to lose excess weight, although adhering to the diets dropped off considerably during the one-year study.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou

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