Effect of the dietary supplement Meltdown on catecholamine secretion, markers of lipolysis, and metabolic rate in men and women: a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over study

BACKGROUND: We have recently reported that the dietary supplement Meltdown(® )increases plasma norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), glycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), and metabolic rate in men. However, in that investigation measurements ceased at 90 minutes post ingestion, with values for blood borne variables peaking at this time. It was the purpose of the present investigation to extend the time course of measurement to 6 hours, and to include women within the design to determine if sex differences to treatment exist. METHODS: Ten men (24 ± 4 yrs) and 10 women (22 ± 2 yrs) ingested Meltdown(® )or a placebo, using a randomized, cross-over design with one week separating conditions. Blood samples were collected immediately before supplementation and at one hour intervals through 6 hours post ingestion. A standard meal was provided after the hour 3 collection. Samples were assayed for EPI, NE, glycerol, and FFA. Five minute breath samples were collected at each time for measurement of metabolic rate and substrate utilization. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at all times. Data were also analyzed using a 2 (sex) × 2 (condition) × 7 (time) repeated measures analysis of variance, with Tukey post hoc testing. RESULTS: No sex × condition interactions were noted for AUC for any variable (p > 0.05). Hence, AUC data are collapsed across men and women. AUC was greater for Meltdown(® )compared to placebo for EPI (367 ± 58 pg·mL(-1)·6 hr(-1 )vs. 183 ± 27 pg·mL(-1)·6 hr(-1); p = 0.01), NE (2345 ± 205 pg·mL(-1)·6 hr(-1 )vs. 1659 ± 184 pg·mL(-1)·6 hr(-1); p = 0.02), glycerol (79 ± 8 μg·mL(-1)·6 hr(-1 )vs. 59 ± 6 μg·mL(-1)·6 hr(-1); p = 0.03), FFA (2.46 ± 0.64 mmol·L(-1)·6 hr(-1 )vs. 1.57 ± 0.42 mmol·L(-1)·6 hr(-1); p = 0.05), and kilocalorie expenditure (439 ± 26 kcal·6 hrs(-1 )vs. 380 ± 14 kcal·6 hrs(-1); p = 0.02). No effect was noted for substrate utilization (p = 0.39). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001; 1–16 mmHg), as well as heart rate (p = 0.01; 1–9 bpm) were higher for Meltdown(®). No sex × condition × time interactions were noted for any variable (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ingestion of Meltdown(® )results in an increase in catecholamine secretion, lipolysis, and metabolic rate in young men and women, with a similar response for both sexes. Meltdown(® )may prove to be an effective intervention strategy for fat loss, assuming individuals are normotensive and their treatment is monitored by a qualified health care professional.