Octacosanol sounds a lot more exotic than it really is. Although it sounds as if it might come from another plant, it’s actually a concentrated nutrient derived from none other than an old-time health food favorite: wheat germ.

Nutrition scientists were on the trail of octacosanol way back in the 1930’s, when they discovered that oils extracted from wheat germ had the ability to improve endurance and stamina. Later experiments revealed that the oil also reduced oxygen stress and quickened reaction time.

Researchers first assumed that the active ingredient in wheat germ oil was vitamin E, but comparative studies proved there was something else accounting for increased performance. Further analysis found that, in addition to vitamin E and essential fatty acids, wheat germ oil also contained several long-chain alcohol molecules. The performance-boosting effects of wheat germ oil were stimulated by these substances, one of which was octacosanol.

Later investigations have shown that these alcohols, of which octacosanol is highest in concentration, can have the following effects:

Lower blood levels of cholesterol
• Improve energy storage in the muscles
• Improve endurance and stamina
• Quicken reflexes
• Improve performance at high altitudes
• Improve oxygen utilization
• Balance the metabolism under stress

Two things you should keep in mind when selecting octacosanol supplements:
First, we recommend octacosanol derived from wheat germ oil only. Octacosanol synthesized from petroleum and other sources has not been tested, whereas the natural wheat germ oil variety has.

And second, the effects of octacosanol take upwards of three or more weeks to become noticeable.

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