Multivitamins could reduce appetite

Source: Blackmores

New research from Canada suggests multivitamins and minerals could reduce hunger for women on weight-loss regimes

The British Journal of Nutrition has reported two studies that add weight to evidence backing the benefits of vitamin and mineral supplementation.

The first study looked at multivitamin and mineral consumption and body composition; while the second examined appetite ratings.

Combined results found that males taking multivitamin and dietary supplements had lower body weight, fat mass and BMI (body mass index), compared to those who did not consume supplements. Results pertaining to women taking multivitamins also indicated reduced hunger levels.

â??Overall, this suggests that an appetite-modulating effect of vitamin and mineral supplements could be more significant in individuals characterised by inadequate intake in micronutrients," said lead researcher, Genevieve Major from Laval University.

"Appetite is increased in response to body-weight loss due to variations in hormone levels implicated in the regulation of energy balance such as insulin, leptin and cortisol," the research team wrote. "Since some vitamins and minerals are involved in the synthesis of [factors]â?¦ that control food intake, decreased micronutrient availability could affect peptide hormone levels and thus interfere with the signalling pathways that control food intake," they added.