Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate Supplementation on Inflammation, Iron Status, and Metabolomic Profiles in Women With Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Obesity in women of reproductive age is often associated with low‐grade inflammation and functional iron deficiency. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major green tea catechin, has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and metabolic‐regulating properties but may also interfere with iron absorption. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study evaluated the effects of EGCG on lipid profile, inflammation, iron status, and plasma metabolomics in women with obesity. Seventeen participants (BMI ≥30 kg/m ² ; age 20–44 years) received 400 mg/day EGCG (green tea extract: 98% polyphenols, 60% catechins, ∼50% EGCG) or placebo for eight weeks. Outcomes included serum lipids, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐10), iron indices (ferritin, hepcidin, serum iron, transferrin saturation), glucose, and metabolomics. No between‐group difference remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Total cholesterol (β = −10.9 mg/dL;  p   = 0.16) and LDL‐C (β = −9.7 mg/dL;  p   = 0.16) showed decreases, and IL‐6 the largest, though nonsignificant, reduction ( p   = 0.09); other cytokines and glucose were unchanged. Metabolomics identified 29 nominally differential metabolites enriched in lipid metabolism, plasmalogen biosynthesis, and mitochondrial β‐oxidation, none surviving FDR correction. Iron status was stable. These findings suggest metabolic effects of EGCG and support short‐term safety at 400 mg/day. Larger, longer trials with targeted metabolomics are warranted.