Multivitamin and mineral supplementation may help increase the burning of fat for fuel, according to the results of a new study of obese Chinese women.

A total of 96 obese Chinese women aged 18-55 were randomly assigned to receive either a multivitamin and mineral supplement, a 162mg calcium supplement or a placebo dummy (dummy). 87 subjects completed the study.  After 26 weeks, compared with the placebo group, the group receiving the multivitamin and mineral supplement had a lower body weight, fat mass and total body mass index (BMI); they also had significantly lower total and LDL-cholesterol levels and significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels and were found to be expending more energy when at rest. LDL cholesterol decreased and HDL increased among those receiving the calcium supplement, as compared to placebo, but none of the other measured outcomes were altered.

The authors concluded that: “The results suggest that, in obese individuals, multivitamin and mineral supplementation could reduce [body weight] and improve serum lipid profiles, possibly through increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation.”

Multivitamin and mineral supplements are suggested for those dieting to lose weigh, as calorie restriction can result in a decrease in nutrient intake. This study indicates that the benefits of supplement use may be far more substantial.

Click here to read the study abstract.