Originally published August 28 2014
Improve fat metabolism and energy levels with lipotrophic nutrients
by Dr. David Jockers
(NaturalNews) The mitochondria is the cellular energy powerhouse. A gradual decline in energy production out of the mitochondria is a hallmark of aging. This process creates a vicious cycle where low energy production leads to overall dysfunction and continued lower energy production. Supporting mitochondrial function with lipotrophic factors such as carnitine, choline and inositol can improve energy and fat metabolism.
The higher the mitochondria energy output the better physiological health of the individual. As the mitochondria produce less energy, the energy they do create must be used for bare essential short-term survival processes. This can lead to impairment of health in the long term through sub-optimal tissue repair and insufficient detoxification.
Support fat metabolism with lipotrophic nutrients:
Lipotropic factors include nutrients that may help support preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver. These nutrients support the synthesis of phospholipids, which are the building blocks of the lipoproteins used to transport lipids out of the liver.
Abnormal fatty deposition may develop in the liver after starvation, alcoholism, poor blood sugar control, viral conditions, damage from pesticides, steroid hormones and drugs.
Benefits of lipotrophic nutrients:
-Improved fat metabolism
-Increased exercise endurance
-Supporting blood sugar balance
-Increased muscular strength & power
-Boosting memory and mental capacity
-Improved cardiovascular function
-Enhanced skin health
-Improved male & female fertility
Carnitine
This nutrient is critical for fat metabolism and energy production in the cellular mitochondria and is naturally produced in the liver and kidneys. It ismost concentrated in the heart and skeletal muscles where it plays an important role in energy production and detoxification. It is also found in the brain and male sperm cells. (1)
L-carnitine is the bioactive form and is a conditionally essential nutrient. Under normal conditions our bodies produce enough. However, certain conditions such as digestive stress, mental/emotional stress & medication usage can reduce production making this an essential dietary nutrient. (2)
Carnitine deficiency syndrome is characterized by:
-Low exercise tolerance
-Chronic fatigue
-Poor endurance
-Muscular weakness
-Muscle pain
-Poor fat metabolism
Researchers estimate that our ancient ancestors, Stone Age hunters with a diet rich with red meat, probably consumed an average of 500mg of carnitine daily, possibly consuming as much 2 grams in a single day. (3) The average individual in our current society takes in about 30-50 mg/day and strict vegetarians consume less than 10mg/daily. (3)
Carnitine helps muscle cells drive energy efficiently from fat metabolism. Up to 70% of the energy produced by muscle cells (including the heart) come from burning fats. Carnitine is the gate-keeper that allows fatty acids to pass into the mitochondrial furnace effectively. (4)
Choline & Inositol:
Choline and inositol are co-enzymes that are required for the proper metabolism of fats and have the ability to remove fat from the liver. Choline's function in fat metabolism is tied to its role in bile production because bile acts as emulsifier (allowing water and lipids to combine) to more readily transport fats. (5)
Choline prevents fats from becoming trapped in the liver, where they can block normal metabolic functions. Choline, as well as inositol, acts as a fat emulsifier that prevents cholesterol from settling on arterial walls. Choline also works well with inositol to utilize fats and cholesterol. (6)
Inositol is referred to as vitamin B8 and it helps to metabolize fats and cholesterol and aids in transporting fat in the blood system. Thus, inositol is an aid in the redistribution of body fat and can help to lower cholesterol levels. (7)
Choline and inositol are also building blocks for healthy cell membranes. Choline is also a part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and along with inositol is necessary for normal nerve and brain function.
Sources for this article include:
1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12751049
2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1854383
3) http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2000/feb00-report3.html
4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22738052
5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1192232
6) http://www.jbc.org/content/148/2/275.full.pdf
7) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0003986159903984
About the author:
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
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