Many people looking to lose weight turn to supplements instead of diet and exercise. Unscrupulous supplement manufacturers fabricate links between almost any nutritional supplement and weight loss, because weight loss sells. Rutin is a type of antioxidant that has been used to treat circulation disorders and inflammatory conditions, but it has somehow made its way into many popular diet pills. Investigation shows that not only will rutin not cause you to lose weight, but it may actually work against your efforts.
Rutin
Rutin is a bioflavonoid, a yellow-green, needle-shaped crystal in its purest form. It has antioxidant properties on its own, but it also stabilizes vitamin C, another antioxidant. Animal studies have shown that rutin may prevent and heal a variety of diseases and disorders, but the effects have never been duplicated in humans. Past non-human research has shown that rutin may reduce the risk of heart disease and may inhibit the formation of certain tumors, but there has been insufficient research done to confirm these claims.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are particles inside the body that scavenge bits of other cells, causing cell damage and cell death--they are thought to play a part in the way humans age. Antioxidants are thought to inhibit the ability of free radicals to cause cell damage, and may even reduce or fix the damage that does happen. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, antioxidants have proved powerful in the laboratory, but it still isn't clear whether or not they act the same way in the human body.
Antioxidants and Weight Loss
Antioxidants, including rutin, do not trigger weight loss or fat metabolism, nor do they block carbs or fat from being absorbed. They may, however, provide nutritional support for your body while you diet. When you lose weight, the calorie restriction and increased activity puts stress on your body. If your diet is unbalanced because of food restriction or the elimination of a food group, you may suffer from a nutritional deficiency, leaving your body vulnerable. Antioxidants may help fill the gaps left by an unbalanced diet--although eating a balanced diet would supply you with plenty of antioxidants from food. But beware--a 2009 study from the National Academy of Sciences found that antioxidants may actually block some of the health benefits of exercise.
Safety
There are no known dangers associated with taking rutin, but consult your doctor first, especially if you are taking medication. If you experience hives, difficulty breathing or a swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, you may be having an allergic reaction--seek immediate medical help.
Alternatives
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables eliminates the need for antioxidant supplementation. If your doctor thinks rutin may benefit a condition you have, he will prescribe a proper dose; if you think rutin may help you lose weight, first try eating more citrus fruits, berries and leafy greens to boost your overall antioxidant intake.
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