Paprika xanthophylls and belly fat in overweight adults
What it found
In 100 healthy overweight people, taking paprika xanthophyll capsules for 12 weeks led to a smaller visceral fat area than placebo.
The paprika group also saw drops in belly fat under the skin, total fat, BMI and cholesterol.
What they found
Studies in people
Deep belly fat
After 12 weeks, the visceral fat area was smaller in the paprika xanthophyll group than in the placebo group.
Other fat measures
In the paprika group, subcutaneous fat, total fat and BMI all fell significantly from the start. These drops were significantly greater than in the placebo group.
Cholesterol
Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fell significantly in the paprika group but not in the placebo group.
Side effects
The authors report that no adverse effects were caused by the paprika xanthophyll capsules.
What the authors conclude
“Intake of paprika xanthophylls for 12 weeks significantly reduced the abdominal fat area and BMI in healthy overweight volunteers without causing any adverse effects.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that taking paprika xanthophylls for 12 weeks significantly reduced the abdominal fat area and BMI in healthy overweight volunteers without causing any adverse effects.
- They say the findings suggest that paprika xanthophyll is a safe food ingredient that improves lipid metabolism and reduces abdominal fat.
How it was done
Xanthophylls in vegetables and fruits have antioxidant and anti-metabolic syndrome actions, and the authors say daily intake could help prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
They randomly assigned 100 healthy overweight volunteers with a BMI of 25 to under 30 to take capsules with 9.0 mg of paprika xanthophylls or placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Fat areas were measured by computed tomography.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This trial lasted 12 weeks, so it cannot show what happens over longer periods.
- It tested a 9.0 mg capsule of paprika xanthophylls, not paprika as used in cooking.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Institute of Health Sciences, Ltd
The paper
- Title
- Effect of Oral Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Abdominal Fat in Healthy Overweight Humans: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Kakutani R, Hokari S, Nishino A, et al (2018). Effect of Oral Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Abdominal Fat in Healthy Overweight Humans: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Journal of oleo science. doi:10.5650/jos.ess18076PubMed 30111683DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error