Dietitian Says Raspberry Ketones For Weight Loss is Hype

Celebrity medical expert Dr. Oz is facing major criticism for his recent endorsement of raspberry ketones, which he says is a “revolutionary metabolism booster.”

This supplement was also endorsed by Dr. Oz’s segment assistant, Lisa Lynn, who is also a supplement seller and personal trainer, on his TV show.

Raspberry ketones are the component in red raspberries that give the fruit its smell and are often used a food flavoring ingredient in the United States.

Elsewhere in Japan, the raspberry ketones supplement is popularly used for weight loss. Raspberry ketone weight loss hypothetically occurs because of how the supplement alters the body’s lipid metabolism.

These claims are based on two small mice studies which showed that the animal subjects gained less weight when given the raspberry ketones supplement. Even though Dr. Oz admitted that raspberry ketones have not been observed in human studies, animal studies show favorable results.

In addition, Lynn had stated she had seen raspberry ketone weight loss firsthand, and had even recommended different starting doses to viewers. While eating actual raspberries will also work, Dr. Oz states that the most optimal results come from the raspberry ketone weight loss supplement.

At this point in time, many are skeptical of the idea of any miracle weight loss supplement, with raspberry ketones being no different. Even though this supplement has not been shown to be harmful to humans, many have alleged this product to be ineffective and too expensive for inconclusive results.

Overview of Raspberry Ketone Weight Loss Claims

Due to the endorsement of Dr. Oz, raspberry ketones have become one of America’s popular weight loss supplements. This product claims to be able to help the body break fat down faster and more effectively, and also increases the level of the metabolic hormone adiponectin.

Even though this product was used for primarily in the food and cosmetic industry, it recently gained popularity as a weight loss supplement. Researchers noticed that the molecular structure of raspberry ketones are similar to the stimulant synephrine and the chili pepper molecule capsaicin, both of which have been shown to boost metabolism.

This introduced the idea of raspberry ketone weight loss, which led to several animal studies. In one of these studies, researchers had isolated rat fat cells and grew them in a test tube with raspberry ketones.

The scientists observed the breakdown of fat and that the cells had become more sensitive to the fat decreasing hormone norepinehrine and made fat cells release more adiponectin. However, this study does not prove that raspberry ketones will work in humans.

In 2014, Dr. Oz was called to testify in front of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection Product Safety, and Insurance. During this time, Senator Claire McCaskill had questioned him regarding raspberry ketones and the other supplement he endorsed, such as green coffee bean extract. Dr. Oz was asked about the efficiency of these products, and what scientific evidence he was relying on.

Dietitian Mary Hartley said, “We are obligated to distinguish between legitimate medical fact and TV hype. It makes sense to be wary of products that promise a quick fix and dramatic results, regardless of the credentials of the person who said it.” She  concluded by stating, “Dr. Oz may think his endorsement jives with the Hippocratic Oath to ‘first, do no harm,’ and he’s right. Raspberry ketones have not been shown to be harmful to humans, yet.”

Consumers who bought raspberry ketones and received no results, may be eligible to file a legal claim to seek compensation for financial loss.