Supresa™ reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study

Supresa^®, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy women

Gout, Bernard & Bourges, Cédric & Dubreuil, Séverine

(2010) NUTRITION RESEARCH (New York, N.Y.). 30. 305-13. 10.1016/j.nutres.2010.04.008.

Abstract

Snacking is an uncontrolled eating behavior, predisposing weight gain and obesity. It primarily affects the female population and is frequently associated with stress. We hypothesized that oral supplementation with Supresa (Inoreal Ltd, Plerin, France), a novel extract of saffron stigma, may reduce snacking and enhance satiety through its suggested mood-improving effect, and thus contribute to weight loss. Healthy, mildly overweight women (N = 60) participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study that evaluated the efficacy of Supresa supplementation on body weight changes over an 8-week period. Snacking frequency, the main secondary variable, was assessed by daily self-recording of episodes by the subjects in a nutrition diary. Twice a day, enrolled subjects consumed 1 capsule of Supresa (176.5 mg extract per day (n =31) or a matching placebo (n = 29). Caloric intake was left unrestricted during the study. At baseline, both groups were homogeneous for age, body weight, and snacking frequency. Supresa caused a significantly greater body weight reduction than placebo after 8 weeks (P b .01). The mean snacking frequency was significantly decreased in the Supresa group as compared with the placebo group (P b .05). Other anthropometric dimensions and vital signs remained almost unchanged in both groups. No subject withdrawal attributable to a product effect was reported throughout the trial, suggesting a good tolerability to Supresa. Our results indicate that Supresa consumption produces a reduction of snacking and creates a satiating effect that could contribute to body weight loss. The combination of an adequate diet with Supresa supplementation might help subjects engaged in a weight loss program in achieving their objective.