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What can I use raspberry ketone for?
Is raspberry ketone safe while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is a raspberry ketone supplement right for me?
Raspberry ketone is the compound found in the red raspberry responsible for its distinctive odor. This substance is often used as a flavoring agent in the food industry.
Raspberry ketone is a popular weight loss supplement. This substance has also has been used to promote hair growth and improve the elasticity of the skin.
This post will take a closer look at this unique substance and the data to support its use. Raspberry ketone is available at our Sunshine Store in both capsule and liquid form.
Raspberry Ketones for Weight Loss and Obesity
Raspberry ketone helps to regulate adiponectin in the body. Adiponectin is a protein specific to adipocytes (cells that store fat). Adiponectin is thought to affect both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.
Raspberry ketone helps to burn fat by breaking it up more efficiently within these specialized cells.
Higher levels of adiponectin are found in people with healthy weight. As overweight individuals lose weight, adiponectin levels increase.
After four weeks of supplementation with raspberry ketone, Ushiki et al. were able to show a significant loss of both body weight and body fat. Arteriosclerosis index scores and triglyceride levels were also suppressed.
The data mentioned above is from three small studies. There are many success stories on the internet for individuals claiming raspberry ketone has helped them lose weight.
I am currently in the middle of the Whole 30 diet, so am unable to test the product at this time. I plan to try my supplement in both forms to see if it indeed curbs my appetite.
More research needs to be conducted to determine the optimum dose, potential side effects, and effectiveness of raspberry ketone supplements in helping with weight loss.
Raspberry Ketones for Hair Loss and Skin Rejuvenation
Raspberry ketone may be useful in treating alopecia (hair loss).
A small study was conducted by Harada et al. in 2008. This study had many limitations, including a small sample size (N=10).
After five months of daily treatment with topical 0.01% raspberry ketone cream, 50% of the subjects showed increased hair growth.
This same study also looked at the effects of raspberry ketones on skin elasticity.
The study was performed on ten healthy females. The researchers concluded the topical raspberry ketone increased cheek skin elasticity.
Raspberry ketone works by promoting the release of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the scalp. This helps to create new hair cells and increase hair count.
Raspberry Ketone Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Although the FDA categorizes raspberry ketone as “Generally Recognized as Safe” when used as a food additive, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether this substance is a safe supplement for weight loss in individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. I would suggest not using raspberry ketone if you fit into either of these categories.
Raspberry Ketone Side Effects
More studies need to be conducted to determine the incidence of various side effects that may be caused by raspberry ketone. I have listed a few adverse effects reported by users of this substance below:
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
- Nausea.
- feeling jittery.
- Decreased blood sugar levels.
After researching raspberry ketone, I believe this supplement can work for some people. I would prefer to see more research on its effect on weight loss. I do not think this supplement is harmful, but would definitely not recommend it to a woman who was pregnant or breastfeeding. I feel the risk outweigh the benefit in this circumstance.
Overall I have been impressed with the positive information I have learned while researching my supplements. I plan to keep the raspberry ketone in my store as I believe it may benefit some of my readers.
My product also contains African Mango, which has positive effects on obesity and diabetes.
I would love to hear feedback from anyone who has used this product. I may even add your story to this post!
Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP
Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.
Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.
Beekwilder J, van der Meer IM, Sibbesen O, et al. Microbial production of natural raspberry ketone. Biotechnol J 2007;2:1270–1279.
Díez JJ, Iglesias P. The role of the novel adipocyte-derived hormone adiponectin in human disease. Eur J Endocrinol. 2003 Mar;148(3):293-300. Review. PubMed PMID:12611609.
Coppola A, Marfella R, Coppola L, Tagliamonte E, Fontana D, Liguori E, Cirillo T, Cafiero M, Natale S, Astarita C. Effect of weight loss on coronary circulation and adiponectin levels in obese women. Int J Cardiol. 2009 May 29;134(3):414-6.
doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.12.087. Epub 2008 Apr 2. PubMed PMID: 18378021.
Ushiki M, Ikemoto T, Sato Y. Anti-obese activities of raspberry ketone. Aroma Res 2002;3:361–364.
Harada N, Okajima K, Narimatsu N, et al. Effect of topical application of raspberry ketone on dermal production of insulin-like growth factor-I in mice and on hair growth and skin elasticity in humans. Growth Horm IGF Res 2008;18:335–344.
