13 Popular Weight Loss Supplements - 3
4. Chitosan
Chitosan's ability to lower blood cholesterol has been demonstrated in animals and a few human studies showed that about 5 grams a day of chitosan taken for a few weeks was able to produce a 6 drop in cholesterol.
Chitosan is a polysaccharide compound that is found in the shells of sea crustaceans. While chitosan is not digestible, it appears to reduce the absorption of bile acids and cholesterol, whereby lowering levels of blood cholesterol.
5. Chromium
Chromium is a trace element that has been shown to play a role in the body's processing of different food items. A trace element is a substance that is required by the body in very small amounts for proper growth and functioning. Individuals with likelihood of low chromium levels include: elderly persons, individuals with extremely poor diets or diets very high in refined sugars, pregnant or breast-feeding women, individuals under chronically stressful conditions, and those who depend on total parental nutrition (feeding through an intravenous line). Exercise and increasing age may also reduce body stores of chromium.
6. CLA
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a form of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, with a slightly altered chemical composition. Preliminary animal studies and research suggests that CLA might reduce the risk of cancers at several sites including the breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, skin, and stomach. Whether CLA will have a similar protective effect for people has yet to be shown in any study.
Similar studies also indicate that CLA supplementation may assist in the reduction of body fat and increase muscle size and strength.