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Wheatgerm
(Octacosonol)
DESCRIPTION
Wheatgerm oil contains octacosanol, a waxy substance found
in vegetable oils and sugar cane. It is generally used to
enhance exercise performance.
FUNCTIONS
Wheatgerm oil is not an
essential nutrient and therefore is not involved in essential
functions in the body.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
For exercise performance,
a dosage adjusted to 1 mg of octacosanol daily.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Exercise performance:
Preliminary studies have found that octacosanol enhances exercise
performance, including endurance and reaction time (1). Octacosanol
may also improve grip strength (2).
SAFETY
Wheatgerm oil appears to
be quite safe. Studies investigating prolonged and excessive
(up to 20 mg octacosanol daily) use did not report any adverse
effects (3). Some people may have difficulty digesting wheatgerm
or lipid products.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
There are no known drug
interactions or contra-indications for wheatgerm oil.
REFERENCES
1. Cureton TK. The physiological
effects of wheat germ oil on humans. In Exercise. Illinois:
Charles C Thomas, 1972:296-300.
2. Saint-John M, McNaughton L. Octacosanol ingestion and its
effects on metabolic responses to submaximal cycle ergometry,
reaction time and chest and grip strength. Int Clin Nutr Rev
1986;6(2):81-87.
3. Pons P, Rodriguez M, Robaina C, et al. Effects of successive
dose increases of policosanol on the lipid profile of patients
with type II hypercholesterolaemia and tolerability to treatment.
Int J Clin Pharm Res 1994;14:27-33.
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