David Nieman, DrPH, Director of the Human Performance Lab, explained that they “know that weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise is the best strategy for reducing inflammation and improving immune function.” The supplement, called “Q-FORCE,” contains a mixture of flavonoids and fish oils. “For people who are struggling with weight loss,” Nieman continued, “this supplement could be added to the lifestyle changes to provide a first-step approach to improving inflammation and viral defense.”
“For people who are struggling with weight loss, this supplement could be added to the lifestyle changes to provide a first-step approach to improving inflammation and viral defense.”
Fruits and vegetables are rich with flavonoids, a family of nutrients that are linked to antioxidant activity, reduced risk of heart disease, and anticancer properties. Plus, flavonoids can also be found in beverages like tea and wine. With heart disease being the leading cause of death for both males and females in the United States, causing nearly one-fourth of all deaths in 2008, Nieman’s research is highly relevant with its potential to reduce the prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events as people find more success with weight loss.
Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids like ALA, EPA, and DHA, and multiple scientific studies have led to the description of these oils as “essential” fats. Foods like fish, vegetable oil, nuts, flax seed, and leafy vegetables are rich with omega-3 fatty acids.
In a study of 48 overweight and obese females between the age of 40 and 70 years, Nieman and his team from the NCRC tested the flavonoid-fish oil supplement alongside a placebo group. In the past, Nieman found success with the supplement in athletes, showing a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress when given the supplement after three days of intense exercise.
Results from the study showed an elevation of plasma quercetin, a type of flavonoid, as well as EPA, DHA, and DPA. Additionally, using advanced genetic expression technology to produce data, Nieman’s findings also showed an upregulation of certain gene pathways known to be associated with antiviral mechanisms and a reduction in inflammation.
Some commercial supplements available today claim that they will help people lose weight, sometimes even without exercise or a dietary change. Whether or not these claims are true, Nieman and his team provide a different solution for overweight and obese individuals to lose weight and become healthier: a nutritional supplement to reduce inflammation so people can more easily change their lifestyle habits to making healthier choices.
Read more on the study published in the journal Nutrients.
Sources: NC Research Campus, Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, American College of Cardiology