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 utilize 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.
*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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