Let’s continue to get acquainted with the main ingredients used in fat burners.
L-carnitine
Characteristics of fat-burning preparations Amino acid of natural origin, which is not a part of proteins. It is synthesized in the liver from lysine and methionine. Carnitine is a rather mild anabolic and ergogenic agent that promotes fat burning by increasing the metabolic rate. Studies have shown that carnitine accelerates the transport of fatty acids into the cells and increases their oxidation efficiency so that the body switches to using fats instead of carbohydrates even during mixed aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Carnitine is sufficiently safe and low-toxic.
No side effects are observed at recommended doses. At high doses, the effects typical for excessive consumption of amino acids may appear: upset stomach, increased gassiness. It should be noted that the synthetic drug and improperly stored aqueous solutions may contain a significant amount of D-carnitine. It has no lipotropic properties and, in addition, weakens the effect of the active L-form by competing with it for receptors. Carnitine is one of the best agents for “soft” fat loss. It is often used alone or in sports drinks.
Choline
A precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also a component of lecithin and bile acids. It is an essential component of the diet and is regarded as a type of vitamin. A healthy person needs 0.5-1.5 grams of choline a day. The body gets choline from the yolk of eggs, cabbage, and spinach. In addition, it is often included in ergogenic packets. Choline speeds up the metabolism of fats and also normalizes the secretion of bile, making it easier to digest food.
It is quite effective in high doses (up to 3 g of chloride or bitartrate per day). Powder capsules or a solution are usually used. Side effects are seen with prolonged use. Gastric upset is common with oral administration. Reducing the dose usually makes the side effects disappear. Habituation has not been observed.
Inositol
A polyatomic alcohol of natural origin. It has a fairly pronounced thermogenic effect. According to some reports, accelerates the oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria of cells. Unfortunately, it requires hundreds of milligrams per day to get high results. Effective in combination with other thermogens. Synergism with hydroxylimonic acid, ephedrine, and caffeine has been noted. Inositol is often included in fat-burning systems and ergogenic blends.
The advertising claims describing the “powerful lipolytic properties” of inositol have no basis in fact. Inositol doesn’t stand up to any comparison with hydroxylimonic acid or ephedrine, and is far more expensive. Side effects: mainly gastrointestinal disorders. No health hazards have been observed, even at very high doses.
Guggulsterol
The active ingredient in guggul resin. It is extracted from a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. According to research, this substance (mixture of substances) lowers cholesterol levels. Guggulsterol is also thought to accelerate the conversion of T4, a less active thyroid hormone, into the more active T3. However, although the advertisement cites alleged scientific studies, so far only the hypocholesterolemic effect of guggulsterol in liver disease has been proven. There is no evidence that it accelerates lipolysis in a healthy body.
