Too much iron can impair your ability to release insulin (insulin secretory capacity). Correcting the overload improved glucose tolerance, but decreased insulin sensitivity. The subjects had hereditary haemochromatosis, which is a very common genetic defect.
Iron is also a pro-oxidant. Usually, men do not need any supplemental iron unless recommended by their physician. Children and menstruating women are usually ok to supplement with iron in small amounts.
Pine needle extract decreased visceral fat mass and body weight. Lipid levels were also improved. It appears that pine needle extract may prevent some of the weight gain on high fat diets.
The mechanism appears to be related to gene expression. While certain people appear to be predisposed to obesity, some substances have the ability to either turn on or turn off these genes.
A new fiber (FBCx) was shown to be effecive against weight gain and improved triglyceride levels (about 8%), a marker for insulin levels.
Viscous fibers seem to be more effective at blunting glycemic responses than insoluble fibers. Expect more of these fibers to appear on the scene in the next few years.
Persimmon leaf suppressed weight gain and improved the lipid profile of rats fed a high fat diet.
The active component is unknown. The researchers speculated that it was either the fiber or a polyphenol (an antioxidant).