What are they?
The word “lipotropic” means “promoting the physiological utilization of fat”. Lipotropes are compounds that may aid in the breakdown of body fat by acting on lipid metabolism and synthesis pathways. When used in combination with lifestyle modifications such as exercise and diet, lipotropic compounds may promote fat and weight loss.
Lipotropic compounds including vitamins, nutrients and other natural or pharmacological agents may be administered as injections or in the form of oral supplements. Injections provide the advantage of better bioavailability by avoiding enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, injections may be especially beneficial in individuals with gastrointestinal absorption issues.
The lipotropic agents used by Glendale Whole Health are the amino acids methionine, inositol and choline (MIC). While each may individually affect the mobilization of fats, the combination may provide synergistic benefits.
Methionine
Methionine is a sulfur-containing branched-chain amino acid. A precursor for cellular methylation reactions, methionine plays an important role in fat metabolism, immune function, and helping rid the body of heavy metals, amongst other things. An essential sulfur-containing amino acid, methionine undergoes a reaction to form metabolic by-products including S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and homocysteine.. The lipotropic effects of methionine may be attributed to its metabolite S-adenosyl methionine (SAM). SAM also functions as a methyl donor in the synthesis of creatine – a high-energy molecule known to improve exercise.
Inositol
Inositol is a family of cyclic sugar alcohols. The myo-inositol derivative phosphatidylinositol is an important component of cell membranes.
Inositol has shown clinical benefits in treating disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. Inositol supplementation has been effectively used to accelerate weight loss, reduce fat mass, improve serum lipid profiles and upregulate the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. It also significantly reduced weight, BMI and waist-hip circumference ratios in overweight/obese women with PCOS.
Excess circulating glucose is often deposited as fat in the liver and around visceral organs. Dietary supplementation with inositol reduced weight gain and lipid accumulation in the liver of rats, and helped to lower blood glucose levels.
Weight loss, reduction in fat mass and increase in lean mass were accelerated when inositol supplementation was accompanied by a low-calorie diet.
Choline
Choline is an essential nutrient required for optimal functioning of various tissues including the liver, muscles, and brain.
Since choline breaks down fat as an energy source, choline supplementation caused rapid fat and weight loss in female athletes. Choline reduces fat deposition and accelerates the fat transport. Only small amounts of choline are synthesized by the human body, necessitating its intake from external sources.
In female athletes, choline supplementation significantly reduced body fat as well as levels of the hunger hormone leptin. Reduction in leptin levels are linked to greater food satiety. Thus, the dual advantage of consuming fewer calories while burning fats as an energy source may contribute to the lipotropic actions of choline.
For best effects, Glendale Whole Health recommends lipotropic injections 1-2 times a weeks as part of a medically managed weight loss program.
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