Best Supplements for Reduced Body Mass Index
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 79 supplements across 93 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence5 studies
Across 5 studies, 3 reported small beneficial effects of L-carnitine supplementation on reducing Body Mass Index, while 2 found neutral results. The most-studied dose range is 1–4 g/day, and effects were typically observed in clinical populations such as adults with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, though median study duration was 8 weeks (56 days) based on limited reporting.
Dose: 1–4 g/day - Moderate evidence3 studies
Across 3 meta-analyses, 2 reported beneficial effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) supplementation on body mass index (BMI), with effect sizes ranging from small (WMD -0.51 kg/m²) to moderate. One meta-analysis of 82 RCTs (5026 participants) found significant improvements, while a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients showed no significant effect. The evidence base is small and limited by very short study duration (median 7 days).
- Low evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, 3 reported neutral small effects and 1 reported beneficial moderate effects. The predominant effect direction is neutral, with small effect sizes. No consistent dose or form data were available; populations studied include women with PCOS and overweight/obese children.
Product matchViva Naturals — Vitamin D3 with Organic Liquid Coconut Oil125 mcg · $15.16 · ★5.0 (208)
- ModerateL-CarnitineAcross 5 studies, 3 reported small beneficial effects of L-carnitine supplementation on reducing Body Mass Index, while 2 found neutral results. The most-studied dose range is 1–4 g/day, and effects were typically observed in clinical populations such as adults with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, though median study duration was 8 weeks (56 days) based on limited reporting. · Dose: 1–4 g/day3 beneficial2 neutral5 studies
- ModerateBlack CuminAcross 3 meta-analyses, 2 reported beneficial effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) supplementation on body mass index (BMI), with effect sizes ranging from small (WMD -0.51 kg/m²) to moderate. One meta-analysis of 82 RCTs (5026 participants) found significant improvements, while a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients showed no significant effect. The evidence base is small and limited by very short study duration (median 7 days).2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies
- LowVitamin DAcross 4 studies, 3 reported neutral small effects and 1 reported beneficial moderate effects. The predominant effect direction is neutral, with small effect sizes. No consistent dose or form data were available; populations studied include women with PCOS and overweight/obese children.1 beneficial3 neutral4 studies