Raspberry Ketones

Has anyone found any scientific articles saying that they don't work?

I want to write about raspberry ketones for a school essay. I know that the articles saying they have an effect on weight loss can be unreliable, but I really need some that conclude that they don't work, or that are inconclusive.

Here's an old blog post of mine. I haven't seen any stories that they do work. At best, the studies out there are inconclusive, at worst, it could be argued that these studies actually show that they do not work. Unless the RN on this thread has seen a study using humans, which would be awesome.

"These are the two studies cited by those marketing raspberry ketones. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to read all of them, since I’m logged into them through my university, but the abstracts should be there:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320505001281
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320505001281

First of all, neither study was controlled for bias and both examined the effect of raspberry ketones on weight GAIN over time on a very high fat diet rather than on weight loss. There’s a problem right there- those looking to LOSE weight are not going to be consuming these very high fat diets which alters how the body processes fats.

Another problem is that only the rats were fed EXTREMELY high doses of the raspberry ketones did have lower levels of weight gain and less fatty livers than those that were not. These doses were over 200x higher than what humans consume in their supplements! And that’s for a tiny rat! Those that were fed doses any lower showed NO change in weight gain.

Also, a rats metabolism is far different than that of a humans. Rats consume and rapidly use large amounts of carbohydrates to survive. Humans are fat burners, meaning we don’t need as many carbs as constantly since our body can easily store energy in the form of fat. Therefore, something that prevents obesity and activates lipid metabolism in rodents will have different effects in humans, unless those rodents’ metabolisms have been altered to mimic those of humans.

Finally, there are no studies on humans and no detailed safety data. The manufacturers are the ones that are responsible for making their product safe, so supplements don’t need to be approved by the FDA before they go on the market. Probably not a good idea to take something for which there have been zero studies on humans."

Has anyone found any scientific articles saying that they don't work?

I want to write about raspberry ketones for a school essay. I know that the articles saying they have an effect on weight loss can be unreliable, but I really need some that conclude that they don't work, or that are inconclusive.

Here's an old blog post of mine. I haven't seen any stories that they do work. At best, the studies out there are inconclusive, at worst, it could be argued that these studies actually show that they do not work. Unless the RN on this thread has seen a study using humans, which would be awesome.

"These are the two studies cited by those marketing raspberry ketones. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to read all of them, since I’m logged into them through my university, but the abstracts should be there:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320505001281
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320505001281

First of all, neither study was controlled for bias and both examined the effect of raspberry ketones on weight GAIN over time on a very high fat diet rather than on weight loss. There’s a problem right there- those looking to LOSE weight are not going to be consuming these very high fat diets which alters how the body processes fats.

Another problem is that only the rats were fed EXTREMELY high doses of the raspberry ketones did have lower levels of weight gain and less fatty livers than those that were not. These doses were over 200x higher than what humans consume in their supplements! And that’s for a tiny rat! Those that were fed doses any lower showed NO change in weight gain.

Also, a rats metabolism is far different than that of a humans. Rats consume and rapidly use large amounts of carbohydrates to survive. Humans are fat burners, meaning we don’t need as many carbs as constantly since our body can easily store energy in the form of fat. Therefore, something that prevents obesity and activates lipid metabolism in rodents will have different effects in humans, unless those rodents’ metabolisms have been altered to mimic those of humans.

Finally, there are no studies on humans and no detailed safety data. The manufacturers are the ones that are responsible for making their product safe, so supplements don’t need to be approved by the FDA before they go on the market. Probably not a good idea to take something for which there have been zero studies on humans."

^ This is a very good write up.

This is another thread in which really helpful, smart, accomplished, kind people have been attacked as "rude" because they offered a different (and in this case educated and experienced) view than the what's-the-new-fad-so-weight-loss-isn't-so-hard crowd. Unfortunately that is an increasingly large crowd around here with the departure of so many other smart, helpful people that got sick of this ridiculousness.

I would not re-order any more of this supplement. See if they will take a return or exchange and consider getting whey protein or vitamins or something else marginally useful.

I would also disregard Dr. Oz's dietary information for the most part. He typically gives more bad information than good, despite how entertaining and smart-sounding he may be. (He also pushes several useless supplements).

I'm only posting this to help, not to judge your decisions, just to be clear on that.

I would rather take my advice for someone who has degree's and certifications rather then someone who doesn't? Correct me if I"m wrong but I am assuming that you don't have any? This is a place of opinions advice and there is a nice way to express your opinions but in my opinion yours was really rude!

In other words I haven't myself taken them but I too have heard they are realy great for you! I read a lot of great user reviews about them.

But Dr. Oz does NOT have credentials that qualify him to give recommendations about raspberry ketones. He is a cardiac surgeon. Nutrition is not his specialty; in fact, med school spends remarkably little time addressing nutrition, considering how it's role in the top causes of death in the US these days.

"User reviews" are not qualified either. How will people really know what is causing the weight loss? You need to look for reviews from unbiased sources that actually use scientific journal articles.

perhaps the "20 bite diet" might be more for you :laugh:

Hey this is proven. Someone did it once.

Has anyone tried the Raspberry Ketones? I ordered a bottle from GNC and Dr Oz says it is awesome to lose weight. Would like to know if has really worked for anything.
I read with diet and exercise....Well anything happens with diet and exercise...

I would not re-order any more of this supplement. See if they will take a return or exchange and consider getting whey protein or vitamins or something else marginally useful.


I'm only posting this to help, not to judge your decisions, just to be clear on that.

I heart how you were the first one to reply...So many of these threads...

Well I lost another 2 lbs. since yesterday. I'm still not dieting or exercising, so it shouldn't be water weight.

not sure why you don't think it can be water weight but let us know in a week.

Well I would say that it is not likely water weight because water weight loss usually occurs when a person lowers their carbohydrate intake, which I have not done. Also, this can occur when you increase your activity levels, again which I have not done, Aside from not changing my diet (i.e. lowering carbs), I actually live off of carbs, they are my real addiction!

Water weight also changes due to your monthly cycle and general hydration levels.

and It can also change from exercise when your body is trying to repair your body. Holy mother do I ever take on water for a couple days after a long hike and then it all drops off over night

It can also happen with a change in diet (I gained a little when I upped calories...kept it there and it started dropping off again) etc etc. Most people who go on low calorie diets for example lose a ton of weight to begin with because they're losing all their energy stores not because every ounce of fat is just dropping off of them...

Or if you eat a ton of salt....

Or if you drink a lot of water....

or....

Has anyone tried the Raspberry Ketones? I ordered a bottle from GNC and Dr Oz says it is awesome to lose weight. Would like to know if has really worked for anything.
I read with diet and exercise....Well anything happens with diet and exercise...

I would not re-order any more of this supplement. See if they will take a return or exchange and consider getting whey protein or vitamins or something else marginally useful.

I would also disregard Dr. Oz's dietary information for the most part. He typically gives more bad information than good, despite how entertaining and smart-sounding he may be. (He also pushes several useless supplements).

I'm only posting this to help, not to judge your decisions, just to be clear on that.

I would rather take my advice for someone who has degree's and certifications rather then someone who doesn't? Correct me if I"m wrong but I am assuming that you don't have any? This is a place of opinions advice and there is a nice way to express your opinions but in my opinion yours was really rude!

In other words I haven't myself taken them but I too have heard they are realy great for you! I read a lot of great user reviews about them.

How on EARTH did you derive rudeness from his response?

So my sister in law is taking these and said she lost 23 pounds in a month...

well alrighty then...they really are magic...case closed

I have tried a few weight loss supplements. I either feel like they dont do anything or I feel like they decrease my appetite to nothing (which gives me headaches).

My mom bought some of these off the puritan's pride website. I told her that everything that I have read says they don't work. She says "they are doing something, I've lost 13 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks." She does not exercise, she has very bad arthritis, knee problems, & has a hard time walking. I asked her if she is still eating the same as she was, & she said for the most part except she is trying to cut back on portion sizes.

^ Bolded part being the likely cause of weight loss

I have been taking them for 6 months now. More than the weight loss which I am sure is due mostly in part to diet and exercise, I can see a definite difference in the adipose tissue (fat) under my skin. They may not work for everyone but as a registered nurse I have read the studies and tried it myself and I can tell you that it does work for me.

Does the adipose fat come off you and become an adorable little alien? I knew Doctor Who was real!

The following article was on WEBMD

Raspberry ketones (RK) are the chemical compounds that give raspberries their enticing aroma. And when ketones are taken from raspberries, they can be used to add fragrance and flavor to things such as colas, ice cream, and cosmetics.

But the buzz that has put raspberry ketones in the spotlight is the claim that raspberry ketone supplements can melt away fat and prevent weight gain -- even in the face of a high-fat diet. But can they really do that?

The answer is no one knows. Experts say that investing anywhere from $12 to $20 in a bottle of raspberry ketone supplements amounts to little more than wishful thinking. And doing so may or may not be harmful.

What the Science Says

There have been no human studies so far on the weight loss effects of raspberry ketones.

The only studies on the effect of raspberry ketones on fat are a handful of animal studies. The studies were done over the last 10 to 15 years. Researchers looked at the effect of raspberry ketones on rats, mice, and rabbits.

There are also a few studies on the effect of raspberry ketones on isolated cells in test tubes. But there is no way to know whether the same results would be produced in people.

The excitement over the potential benefit is understandable. In the animal studies, raspberry ketones appear to alter the animals' metabolism. As a result, the animals had a:

Speed-up in the processing of fat
Reduction of fatty tissue, especially in the liver
In the animal studies, raspberry ketones also seemed to affect the production of certain hormones that increase the body's ability to burn fat.

But whether raspberry ketones would have the same effect on metabolism and hormone production in humans hasn't been studied.

Until it has, experts say you're better off holding onto your money. Instead, concentrate on a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. Both of those have been shown to be effective ways to manage weight.

The Unknown Potential for Harm

Raspberry ketones in food and cosmetics are generally considered safe. But no one knows what short- or long-term effect raspberry ketone supplements could have on your overall health. That's because there has been no study to document potential side effects. There are also no studies that look at potential drug or food interactions.

The fact that raspberry ketones chemically resemble other stimulants suggests the potential for certain side effects. And there are anecdotal reports of jitteriness, increased blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat among people taking raspberry ketone supplements. But without the evidence, no one can say what dosage of raspberry ketone supplements, if any, might be safe to take.

The best advice is to discuss your concerns about weight and weight management with your doctor before trying any unproven method for weight control.

There are so many brands of raspberry ketones, you wonder which ones are real and which are fake...I bought from from Top Secret Nutrition L-Carnitine Plus Capsules, Raspberry-k, 60 Count but I don't actually know if they are doing anything....you would think you could trust advice from Dr.Oz but I have no idea.... any body on here had a good experience with these??