The right vitamins can support weight loss. Weight loss may be difficult due to stress, hormone imbalance, poor diet and a lack of physical activity. Some vitamins help regulate appetite and increase metabolism, which results in less body fat. Vitamins are a natural way to suppress your appetite. Research shows that vitamins B, C and omega-3 are effective in depressing appetite. Conversely, people may experience an increase in appetite, and some scientists question if vitamins help suppress appetite at all.
B Vitamins
Vitamins B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6 and choline help promote normal thyroid function, increase metabolism and control appetite. Vitamins B-2, B-3 and B-6 are required for normal thyroid function and increased metabolism. This burns fat and produces energy. However, the energy elevation occurs only in people who have a B vitamin deficiency. B vitamins may increase appetite in people without deficiencies. According to Dr. Scott Isaacs and professor Neil Shulman, authors of "Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism," people with a thyroid condition will benefits more from B vitamins as an appetite suppressant.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps the body eliminate cell damage from free radicals. It also helps in the repair and growth of cellular tissue. According to Dr. Stephen Levine of Springboard4Health.com, buffered vitamin C with calcium and magnesium helps reduce appetite by repairing the effects of insulin in the fat storage. Vitamin C also has anti-addictive properties, which indirectly helps suppress the urge to eat. The vitamin C daily recommended allowance is 1,000 mg for adults. Food sources rich in vitamin C include raspberries, cabbage, Swiss chard, guava, strawberries, cranberries, grapefruits and oranges.
Omega-3
NaturalNews.com writer Mike Adams reports that research by the journal "Appetite" shows omega-3 may be a powerful appetite suppressor. An eight-week study of 232 overweight volunteers showed a significant reduction in appetite due to a course of omega-3 supplements. The study also showed that volunteers who ate dinner with long-chain omega-3 felt less hunger than those on a short-chain omega-3 dinner. Long-chain omega-3 is found in fish such as sardines, albacore tuna, mackerel and salmon. For healthy adult, the American Heart Association recommends eating oily fish at least twice per week.
Considerations
Deficiencies in vitamins B and C may also cause a depressed appetite. Consult a doctor if a depressed appetite includes symptoms such as fatigue, headache, nausea and stomach pain. A healthy diet and regular exercise help achieve weight loss. Eating food high in protein with vegetables and fruits will satisfy food craving without causing significant weight gain. Look for food low in saturated fat and eat small meals to lower your appetite.
References
- Springboard4Health.com: Buffered Vitamin C to the Rescue
- Natural News: Review of the Best New Natural Appetite Suppressant Supplements, Including Pine Nut Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3
- "Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism"; Scott Isaacs, Neil Shulman; 2006
