Kochujang, fermented soybean-based red pepper paste, decreases visceral fat and improves blood lipid profiles in overweight adults.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

Health benefits of Kochujang (KCJ) and its bioactive compounds have been reported in several in vitro and animal studies.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of KCJ supplementation on body composition and blood lipid profiles in overweight adults.

METHODS:

Sixty overweight men and women with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women were randomly assigned to a KCJ supplement (n=30, 32 g/day) or placebo (n=30, 32 g/day) group for a 12-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study. We measured anthropometric parameters, serum lipid profiles, abdominal fat distribution by computerized tomography and calculated the atherosclerosis indices in 53 subjects (n=26 in KCJ group, n=27 in placebo group) who completed the study.

RESULTS:

After 12 weeks, the KCJ group showed a significant reduction in visceral fat (cm2) (p<0.05), although body weight (kg) and WHR did not change. Serum concentration of triglycerides and ApoB were decreased when compared to those of the placebo group.

CONCLUSION:

KCJ supplementation (32 g/day) for 12 weeks in overweight adults showed anti-atherosclerotic and anti-obesogenic effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT01532375.

• Authors: Youn-Soo Cha, Soo-Ran Kim, Ji-Ae Yang, Hyang-Im Back, Min-Gul Kim, Su-Jin Jung, Won O Song, Soo-Wan Chae
• Journal: Nutrition & metabolism (Nutr Metab (Lond)) Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 24 (Feb 26 2013) ISSN: 1743-7075 [Print] England
• PMID: 23442518 (Publication Type: Journal Article)