How Do Lipotropics Work?

Introduction to Lipotropics

Lipotropics are a fat-loss supplement designed for people who are 20 percent or higher over their ideal body weight--or women with more than 30 percent body fat, and men with over 20 percent body fat. When a high level of body fat is accrued, fat metabolism slows and an accumulation of fat in the liver begins to grow. This accumulation can lead to severe health problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Lipotropic supplements help prevent this by preventing abnormal buildup of fat in the liver. This improves fat metabolism and assists in the processing of fat-soluble nutrients and the processing of hormones, estrogen, sulfa drugs, glucose and glycogen. There are four major ingredients in lipotropic supplements: methionine, choline, inositol and betain.

Woman taking weight loss supplements. (Image: diego_cervo/iStock/Getty Images)

Actions of the Ingredients

Methionine is an essential amino acid that the body requires when estrogen levels are high (men have estrogen, too). Estrogen reduces bile (responsible for emulsification of fats) flow through the liver. Methionine helps to deactivate estrogen, leading to greater flow of the fat-metabolizing compound bile to do its work. Methionine is also needed to affect glutathione levels in the liver. Glutathione, along with other peptides, plays a critical role in defending against toxic compounds.
Choline and inositol help prevent fat and bile from becoming trapped in the liver. Choline is essential for fat metabolism and aids in the emulsification of cholesterol so it doesn't stick to arterial wall. Inositol metabolizes fat and cholesterol, and aids in the transport of fat through the blood system. Together, they work to utilize fats and cholesterol. Betain helps to convert harmful substances into helpful ones, reducing the strain on the liver caused by high body fat levels.

Lipotropic Claims

These ingredients act synergistically to increase energy levels, increase your body's fat metabolism, aid in the removal and transport of fat from the body. It helps to keep your liver functioning properly.