There seems to be a hype on taking Raspberry ketone supplements for weight loss which has been started in the states. I have been asked about this by both men and women. After researching this further I have found out that there is a lack of substantial evidence to support its fat burning effects. There are no studies in humans and the very few studies conducted on rodents and in vitro are not enough to support the claims. Furthermore there are no studies into the safety of this molecule. Last month I met a woman who noticed red flecks in her eye after taking this supplement. When she stopped taking them they didn’t appear. Now whether this is due to the supplement we don’t know for sure, however its best to err on the side of caution and therefore I would advise against taking this supplement till further research is conducted.
What we know about the Raspbery ketones is that: Raspberries, cranberries and blackberries are the fruits that naturally contain the ketones in addition to other antioxidants. Raspberry Ketones (also known as 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one) are an extract from Red raspberries usually used as a scenting and flavoring agent in foods and cosmetics. It has a structure similar to Capsaicin. Most raspberry ketones are synthesised or produced via bacteria due to its high demand in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent.
Molecular structure of a Raspberry ketone (Ketone group attached to a benzene ring)
