Vitamins for Weight Loss

No vitamin supplement can replace a balanced diet and exercise. However there are certain weight loss supplements on the market that are designed to support the weight loss process.

Here’s a list of a few supplements that are said to support weight loss:

HCA is said to suppress the mobilisation of fatty acids and block the conversion of carbohydrates to fat, resulting in less fat storage.

Carnitine used to transfer fatty acids across cell membranes into the mitochondria so that they may be converted to energy. Carnitine may help ensure that fatty acids are in fact taken from the blood stream to be burnt for energy.

Chromium Picolinate is said to help regulate blood sugar by allowing insulin and glucose to work together more efficiently.

When Chitosan is ingested, it turns into a positively charged gelatinous substance which binds to fats. It is believed that Chitosam binds so tightly to fat that the fat travels with the Chitosan through the digestive tract and is excreted instead of being absorbed by the body.

Supplementation with Calcium Pyruvate is said to increase the use of fat instead of carbohydrates or protein for the production of energy.

5-HTP is used by the body to make Serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that tells our brains to feel “happy”. 5-HTP is used in some weight loss products to curb cravings for lollies and carbohydrates and minimise feelings of hunger.

Studies performed on animals suggest that supplementation with Guggul Lipid may support the healthy function of the thyroid, therefore supporting the production of hormones required to regulate the metabolism and burn more fat.

The active ingredient in Coleus Forskohollii is Forskolin which is said to help increase thyroid function and fat-burning activity. Coleus Forskohollii works in a similar manner to Ephedrine, but is said to have less negative side effects.
The polyphenols found in green tea are said to promote the use of calories as energy. They are said to ‘kick start’ the metabolism.

CLA appears to block the uptake of fat and facilitate the fat burning process. It is said to help shift the body’s composition in favour of fat loss and muscle gain by blocking certain enzymes that let fat cells swell.

Guarana has an active constituent which is virtually identical to that of caffeine and is used to reduce hunger and treat obesity. Guarana helps to free fatty acids into the bloodstream and metabolise them into energy, reducing the amount of fat stored in the body.

Some weight loss supplements may contain Ephedrine. Stay well clear of these products. Ephedrine has been shown to be addictive in some cases and may cause side effects ranging from dry mouth, anxiety, headaches, seizures and even death.

Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to support weight loss, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to HealthyComparisons.com.au' Vitamin Supplements for Weight Loss page for more information about vitamins for weight loss.

© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.