Metabolism is the process by which the body changes the nutrients we eat into components that it can utilize to produce energy and sustain its functions. Metabolism is necessary for energy production, repair of tissues, healing of wounds, fighting disease and detoxification. Learn what factors are driving consumer demand and what ingredients you can include in a product designed to support one's metabolism. Click here to read this whitepaper.

1. Supplementation for Increasing Metabolism
October 22, 2010

2. Supplementation for Increasing Metabolism
Metabolism is the process by which the body changes the nutrients we eat into components that
it can utilize to produce energy and sustain its functions. Metabolism is necessary for energy
production, repair of tissues, healing of wounds, fighting disease and detoxification.
Growing Consumer Demand for Metabolism Supplements
In the 1930s, two physicians from Stanford University reported on the ability of dinitrophenol
(DNP) to speed up body metabolism. An accelerated metabolism is associated with
thermogenics, or quicker fat loss. Although DNP is no longer popular as a dietary supplement,
consumers have begun to associate a speedy metabolism with weight loss. As a result, the
demand for supplements for increasing metabolism is rising.
Today, an increased awareness of the role of a healthy metabolic system is driving Americans to
use these supplements, not only for enhancing weight loss programs, but also for maintaining
healthy functions of the body. Based on this information, a person interested in manufacturing
metabolic supplements should contact a GMP certified supplement manufacturer and confirm that
the product they wish to create contains ingredients that are designed to promote energy, support
the immune system and promote healthy digestion.
Factors Driving Consumer Demand for Metabolism Supplements
A primary factor for optimal metabolism is a healthy thyroid. An under-active or an overactive
thyroid may result in a metabolism which is too slow or too fast. Slow metabolism is usually
associated with weight gain. Other factors driving the growth may include:
• Growing rate of obesity. Fat tissues need less energy for maintenance than do muscle
tissues. The more fat tissue you have, the lesser calories you will burn. Increasing the
rate of body metabolism through supplements may help the body burn more calories.
• Aging. As you age, you begin to lose muscle tissue and gain a higher percentage of body
fat. Slower metabolic functions may lead to sub-optimal health.
• Unhealthy diets. Nutrition plays an important role and there are certain nutrients, found
particularly in certain vegetables, herbs and fruits, which are required for healthy
metabolism. According to surveys conducted by the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Surveys (NHANES), only 29 percent of the American population eat the
recommended daily allowances (RDA) of fruit; and only 27 percent met their RDA for
vegetables.1
Along with a balanced diet, nutritional supplements for increasing metabolism may play a vital
role in promoting healthy metabolism. Several herbs and nutrients are known to support
metabolic functions.
• Vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin and riboflavin are involved in the metabolism of
lipids. By different mechanisms, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C and essential fatty
acids are known to influence lipid metabolism.2
• L-Carnitine nutritionally supports fatty acid metabolism required to convert fat into
energy.3
• Green tea contains catechins and theanine. The combination helps to increase body
metabolism possibly by 4 to 5 percent, according to some studies. Green tea may be a
mild way to increase calorie burning and weight loss irrespective of exercise or resting

3. metabolism. Ginger, cinnamon and red peppers are also known to have thermogenic
effects.4
• Kelp is known to have metabolic precursors of the active hormones produced by the
thyroid gland. It also contains iodine. The metabolic precursors, together with iodine, are
believed to help increase metabolic rate and supports fat metabolism.5
• Herbs such as bitter melon, fenugreek, ivy gourd, ginseng, aloe vera and Russian
tarragon may be used to support carbohydrate metabolism, although more conclusive
research studies still need to be conducted these herbs may be useful for weight loss and
for regulating healthy glucose levels.6
• Herbs such as Bugleweed, Gypsywort, Lemon Balm and Common Gromwell may have
antithyrotropic properties.7
• Dietary fiber is also known to have metabolic effects particularly on heart health, the
regulation of healthy glucose levels and for supporting digestive health.8
Contract Manufacturing Supplements for Increasing Metabolism
Nutricap Labs, a premier nutraceutical manufacturer, can help you either formulate an exclusive
supplement formula for metabolism, or improve your existing supplement line. Our GMP-certified
facilities with stringent quality controls assure you of a quality product that has the full potential to
consistently meet consumer satisfaction. Visit our website to submit your free quote request or
call (800) 494-6154 to speak with one of our knowledge product advisors. The typical turnaround
time on a quote request is 24 to 48 hours.
References:
1. Fruit and Vegetables in the American Diet: Data from the NHANES 11 Survey.
2. Vitamins and lipid metabolism, Acta Vitaminol Enzymol. 1982;4(1-2):105-14.
3. Effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on in vivo long-chain fatty acid oxidation in healthy
adults, Metabolism. 2002 Nov;51(11):1389-91.
4. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h
energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70,
No. 6, 1040-1045, December 1999
5. Effects of kelp supplementation on thyroid function in euthyroid subjects, Endocr Pract. 2003
Sep-Oct;9(5):363-9.6. Efficacy of Dietary Supplementation with Botanicals on Carbohydrate
Metabolism in Humans, Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets, Volume
8, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 78-81(4)
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2985357
8. Metabolic effects of dietary fiber, West J Med. 1979 February; 130(2): 123–127.
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