Flaxseed Mucilage (IQP-LU-104) Reduces Body Weight in Overweight and Moderately Obese Individuals in a 12-week, Three-Arm, Double-Blind, Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit and tolerability of two dosages of a proprietary flaxseed mucilage (IQP-LU-104) in reducing body weight in overweight and moderately obese individuals.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, bi-center trial, 108 participants (body mass index [BMI] 25-<35 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to receive either IQP-LU-104 high dose (104HD), IQP-LU-104 low dose (104LD), or placebo. Participants were instructed to consume 1 sachet of the investigational product (containing IQP-LU-104 or matching placebo) before or with main meals twice daily and to follow a balanced but hypocaloric diet (20% reduction of individual's daily energy requirements) for 12 weeks. At week 0 (baseline), and weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the intervention periods, the participants' body weight, BMI, body fat composition, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Blood samples were collected for safety assessment at screening visit (week -2) and at the end of the study. Adverse events were assessed by the investigators through interviewing the participants and were recorded at every visit post screening.

Results: At the end of the 12-week study, body weight reduction was greater in the 104HD group (4.96 ± 1.89 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (3.70 ± 2.57 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) compared to the placebo group (1.33 ± 2.05 kg). 68% and 46% of participants in the 104HD group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (p = 0.002 vs. placebo), respectively, experienced at least 5% weight loss, compared to 9% of participants in the placebo group. Significant decreases in waist and hip circumferences were observed in both the 104HD and 104LD groups compared to the placebo group (each p < 0.001). 104HD group had significantly higher reduction in body fat mass (4.25 ± 5.86 kg) than the placebo group (1.06 ± 3.20 kg) (p = 0.002). Respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal symptoms were the main adverse events reported and none of the adverse events were related to the intake of IQP-LU-104.

Conclusion: Results demonstrated IQP-LU-104 is safe and efficacious in body weight reduction at both dosages in overweight and moderately obese individuals.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03888911.

Keywords: Fat; Fiber; Obesity; Overweight; Weight loss.

Conflict of interest statement

Udo Bongartz, Uwe Hochmann, and Felix Alt are the employees; Constantin Erlenbeck is a former employee; and Ralf Uebelhack is the medical adviser of analyze & realize GmbH − clinical research organization that conducted the study. Pee Win Chong, Patricia De Costa, and Li Vern Peng are the employees of InQpharm Group that funded the study.

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Figures

Fig. 1

Study design and population.

Fig. 2

Percentage of body weight reduction from baseline throughout the 12-week study. Error bars denote standard error of mean. *Significant versus placebo. #Significant versus 104LD.

Fig. 3

Responders with at least 3% and 5% weight loss after 12 weeks from baseline. *Significant versus placebo. #Significant versus 104LD.