Supplements Around The House To Lose Weight

The dietary supplement industry is one that produces revenues of more than $26 billion annually, but you don't need high-priced supplements and sports nutrition products to lose weight. Effective weight loss can be achieved through proper exercise and nutrition practices, and certain household supplements may also help. Such supplements, such as vitamin and mineral products, may be as effective as sports nutrition products actively marketed for weight loss. Consult a doctor prior to using any supplements.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate your sleeping patterns, and it is secreted by your body to promote restfulness. Synthetic melatonin is sold as a sleep aid, but such supplements may also help you lose weight. A study published in the January 1999 issue of the "European Journal of Endocrinology" found that melatonin supplementation enhanced release of growth hormone, a compound that can help reduce levels of body fat.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, known as the "sunshine vitamin" because you can absorb the nutrient through exposure to sunlight, can be found in multivitamins and sold on its own. Although vitamin D is not primarily marketed as a weight loss drug, research published in the August 2008 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition" found that overweight women consuming greater levels of vitamin D, in addition to a reduced-calorie diet, lost more weight than women consuming lower levels of vitamin D.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is a supplement that provides you with omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that may promote a number of health benefits, such as reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Although omega-3 fatty acids are calorie-dense, consuming these supplements in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet can promote enhanced weight loss. A study published in the December 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that eight weeks of fish oil supplementation promoted reduced body fat.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that is essential to proper health, as one of its functions is promoting bone health. In addition to maintaining bone density, calcium may help you lose weight. According to a study from the January 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Obesity," calcium supplementation resulted in reduced absorption and increased excretion of fat.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is purported to have benefits for promoting immune health, but consuming vitamin C supplements may encourage weight loss, as well. A study from the March 2008 issue of the "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research" found that vitamin C supplementation reduced body weight and fat deposition.