raspberry ketone

Raspberry ketone is a naturally occurring phenolic compound responsible for the characteristic aroma of red raspberries. It is found in small amounts in raspberries and other fruits such as cranberries and blackberries, but most commercial raspberry ketone is synthetically produced due to its low natural abundance. Raspberry ketones are widely used as flavoring agents in foods, beverages, and cosmetics because of their fruity scent. They are also marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss and metabolic health; however, there is no robust clinical evidence supporting these uses in humans. Mechanistically, animal and cell studies suggest that raspberry ketones may increase fat breakdown by making adipocytes more sensitive to norepinephrine and may raise levels of adiponectin—a hormone involved in regulating metabolism—but these effects have not been confirmed in human trials[3][9]. The safety profile for supplemental use at high doses remains unclear; potential side effects include jitteriness, increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, lowered blood sugar levels, and possible cardiotoxicity[6][8][9]. In food quantities (as a flavoring), it is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA[7][9].

Brand names

raspberry ketone

Other names

4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanonerheosminframbinone