Lipotropics

WHAT ARE LIPOTROPICS?

Lipotropics or lipotropes are nutrients that are important to lipid metabolism and for the synthesis and maintenance of cellular membranes. Lipotropes encourage fat export from the liver and accelerate the breakdown of fat, so help support weight loss and enhance overall metabolism.

Lipotropics work in a couple of different ways inside the body, they can help mobilize lipids from the liver, or they can help catabolize fats in hepatocytes. Among lipotropes are those which provide choline or methyl radicals. These include: methionine, betaine and their precursors, serine and glycine, as well as co-enzyme vitamins, folic acid and cobalamin, factors involved in the biosynthesis of lipoproteins like, polyethylenic fatty acids, inositol, threonine, as well as factors that promote β-oxidation, such as carnitine. choline is an especially important lipotropic nutrient and is considered essential for the mobilization of lipids.

Collectively, lipotropics are essential to maintaining healthy liver function, and an inadequate intake is considered a significant contributor to some of today’s most serious chronic diseases. Some of the most important of these include fatty infiltration of the liver, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, among others.

BENEFITS of LIPOTROPICS

• Aids Weight Loss
• Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels
• Promotes Healthy Blood Lipid Profiles
• Stimulates Metabolism
• Supports Healthy Liver Function
  
  

WHO NEEDS LIPOTROPICS?

Naturopaths may suggest a lipotropic supplement for those with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats), as well as those with a family history of atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries), and individuals at increased risk of heart disease.

A lipotropic supplement may also be recommended to stimulate detoxification of the liver, including heavy metal detoxification, as well as to stimulate thymus gland function, enhance immunity, and maintain healthy cell function/integrity.

LIPOTROPIC SUPPLEMENT POTENCY, FORMS & FORMATS

Lipotropic supplements come in an exceedingly wide range of potencies, forms and formats such as capsules, tablets, powders, and even liquids. Lipotropics may also be administered via injection by your health care practitioner.

Many lipotropic supplements are blends of various lipotropes such as choline with inositol, methionine, and betaine, among others.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LIPOTROPIC SUPPLEMENT

Lipotropic supplements are ideal to increase AMPK activity (5' AMP-activated protein kinase) inside the body which discourages fat storage and instead encourages cells to burn fat as an energy source. For best results, combine your lipotropic supplement with a caloric deficit as well as an increase in exercise.