Octacosanol for Sports & Fitness

Also known as: Wheat Germ Oil (Octacosanol)

What is it?

Octacosanol is a waxy substance naturally present in some plant oils and is the primary component of the sugar cane extract called policosanol.

Where is it found?

Octacosanol is a waxy substance found in vegetable oils and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum). Another compound, called policosanol, contains a large amount of octacosanol, along with several similar compounds.

Why do athletes use it?*

Some athletes say that octacosanol

helps increase speed and strength.
helps improve reaction time.

What do the advocates say?*

Animal studies suggest that octacosanol may help muscles obtain and utilise fatty acids for energy production. Other claims for increased anabolic and oxygen utilization effects have not been proven. Very little human research has investigated the effects of octacosanol on exercise performance, and results have been mixed.

How much is usually taken by athletes?

Octacosanol, a waxy substance found in wheat germ oil, has been investigated as an ergogenic agent. Preliminary studies have suggested that octacosanol improves endurance, reaction time, and other measures of exercise capacity.¹ In another preliminary trial, supplementation with 1 mg per day of octacosanol for eight weeks improved grip strength and visual reaction time, but it had no effect on chest strength, auditory reaction time, or endurance.²

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Long-term trials in humans using amounts up to 20 mg per day have not shown any negative effects.³

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with octacosanol.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for octacosanol based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on octacosanol. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Octacosanol as a nutritional supplement.

References
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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):81–7.

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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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.