Long-term green tea extract supplementation does not affect fat absorption, resting energy expenditure, and body composition in adults.
BACKGROUND
Green tea (GT) extract may play a role in body weight regulation. Suggested mechanisms are decreased fat absorption and increased energy expenditure.


OBJECTIVE
We examined whether GT supplementation for 12 wk has beneficial effects on weight control via a reduction in dietary lipid absorption as well as an increase in resting energy expenditure (REE).


METHODS
Sixty Caucasian men and women [BMI (in kg/m²): 18-25 or >25; age: 18-50 y] were included in a randomized placebo-controlled study in which fecal energy content (FEC), fecal fat content (FFC), resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient (RQ), body composition, and physical activity were measured twice (baseline vs. week 12). For 12 wk, subjects consumed either GT (>0.56 g/d epigallocatechin gallate + 0.28-0.45 g/d caffeine) or placebo capsules. Before the measurements, subjects recorded energy intake for 4 consecutive days and collected feces for 3 consecutive days.


RESULTS
No significant differences between groups and no significant changes over time were observed for the measured variables. Overall means ± SDs were 7.2 ± 3.8 g/d, 6.1 ± 1.2 MJ/d, 67.3 ± 14.3 kg, and 29.8 ± 8.6% for FFC, REE, body weight, and body fat percentage, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
GT supplementation for 12 wk in 60 men and women did not have a significant effect on FEC, FFC, REE, RQ, and body composition.
Department of Human Biology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands plhr.janssens@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Pilou L H R
PL
Janssens
Department of Human Biology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Rick
R
Hursel
Department of Human Biology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Margriet S
MS
Westerterp-Plantenga
D050154:Adiposity; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D028241:Camellia sinensis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts
body composition; fat absorption; green tea; long-term effects; resting energy expenditure