---
title: "Evidence: activates AMPK, reduces lipid absorption"
description: "Tea's health benefits may stem from reducing nutrient absorption and activating a key metabolic enzyme, AMPK."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s106.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s106.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s106.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s106"
journal: "Mol Nutr Food Res"
year: 2015
pmid: "26577614"
doi: "10.1002/mnfr.201500428"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: activates AMPK, reduces lipid absorption

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**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s106.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s106

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Mol Nutr Food Res |
| Year | 2015 |
| PMID | [26577614](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26577614/) |
| DOI | [10.1002/mnfr.201500428](https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201500428) |
| Study key | s106 |

## Takeaway

Tea's health benefits may stem from reducing nutrient absorption and activating a key metabolic enzyme, AMPK.

## The question

What are the fundamental mechanisms by which tea consumption reduces body weight, alleviates metabolic syndrome, and prevents diabetes and cardiovascular diseases?

## Hypothesis

The two major mechanisms for tea's beneficial effects are decreasing absorption of lipids and proteins in the intestine and activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by tea polyphenols in the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissues.

## Methods

This study is a review of existing literature, proposing mechanisms based on previously published research.

## Results

The proposed mechanisms are: (i) reduced absorption of lipids and proteins in the intestine by tea constituents, leading to decreased calorie intake; and (ii) activation of AMP-activated protein kinase by bioavailable tea polyphenols in the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissues. Activated AMPK would decrease gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis while increasing catabolism.

## Conclusion

Tea's beneficial effects on body weight and metabolic syndrome are likely mediated by reduced lipid and protein absorption and activation of AMPK. The relative importance of these mechanisms may vary with tea type and diet.

## Limitations

The study acknowledges that other mechanisms and the full health relevance of tea consumption's beneficial effects require further investigation.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> reduce body weight, alleviate metabolic syndrome, and prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Green Tea EGCG Extract | Moderate evidence | [Green Tea EGCG Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/106.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: activates AMPK, reduces lipid absorption**
   Mol Nutr Food Res 2015 · [PMID 26577614](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26577614/) · [DOI 10.1002/mnfr.201500428](https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201500428)

   > reduce body weight, alleviate metabolic syndrome, and prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Green Tea EGCG Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/106.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Does green tea catechin enhance weight-loss effect of exercise training? a meta-analysis…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39350601.md)
- [Effect of green tea consumption on body weight and body composition; systematic review…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d24558988.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).