Lipo-B Injection

The Lipo-B (MIC) injection is a product that contains a combination of compounds that have been shown to exhibit lipotropic effects. The lipotropic effects facilitate the burning of adipose tissue within the human body which may, consequently, result in some degree of weight loss. Lipo-B injections are typically used as fat loss supplements, in combination with diet and exercise, in weight loss plans. The combination of products that make up the Lipo-B (MIC) injection are methionine, choline, and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

Methionine

Methionine is one of the four sulfur-containing amino acids; the other three are cysteine, homocysteine, and taurine. Additionally, it is one of the nine essential amino acids in the human body. As an essential amino acid, it cannot be synthesized de novo by the human body due to a lack of the require metabolic pathway needed for its synthesis. Therefore, methionine has to be exogenously introduced into the human body either within the diet or as a supplement.^[1][2]

Methionine serves several key roles in the human body such as:

Substrate in the production of critical hormones and proteins including L-cysteine, carnitine, adrenaline, choline, and melatonin, among others.

Increasing liver production of lecithin which helps lower serum cholesterol levels.

Provides sulfur which aids development of nails and promotes hair growth.

Chelating agent which helps get rid of heavy metals such as mercury.

Provides protection against hepatotoxins such as acetaminophen.^[3][4]

Choline

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in a number of metabolic pathways in the human body. Even though choline is produced endogenously in the liver, it is still considered an essential nutrient because the quantities produced is not sufficient to meet the body’s metabolic needs; as such, dietary supplementation of choline is necessary. Choline can be found in both animal and plant food sources, with animal food sources generally having more choline per gram of food product.

Some functions that choline serves in the body are:

Production of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, which are needed to maintain cell membrane integrity.

Production of acetylcholine, which is one of the major neurotransmitters in the body.

Modulation of gene expression and cell membrane signaling.

Early brain development in fetuses.^[5][6]

Cyanocobalamin

Otherwise known as vitamin B12, cyanocobalamin derives its name from the fact that it has a cyanide group attached to its molecule and also contains the mineral cobalt. It is essential for cellular energy production as well as DNA synthesis. It is an essential water-soluble vitamin and must be obtained from food or as dietary supplements. Some good food sources of vitamin B12 are meat, fish, milk, eggs, and cheese, among others. Some of the roles that cyanocobalamin serves in the body include:

Cofactor for methionine synthase and L-methymalonyl-CoA mutase.
Synthesis of methionine from homocysteine.
Regeneration of tetrahydrofolate from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.^[7][8]

Methionine

Methionine exerts its effect in the body through the production of S-adenosylmethionine in the methionine cycle; this process is catalyzed by the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferases. Methionine adenosyltransferases combines methionine, water, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to produce S-adenosylmethionine, pyrophosphates, and inorganic phosphates. S-adenosylmethionine participates in a number of processes in the body such as biotin and polyamine synthesis. It is also involved in the synthesis of phospholipids and some neurotransmitters within the body. These methylation reactions also regulate gene expression during fetal development. One of the by-products of methionine metabolism is homocysteine which, in high serum quantities, has been linked to developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and skeletal deformities, among others.^[2][9]

Choline

The primary way through which choline acts within the body is through its derivative phosphatidylcholine. The biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine occurs via the CDP-choline pathway. After absorption from the intestine, choline is transported into cells using choline transporters. Within the cells, choline is phosphorylated into phosphocholine or oxidized into betaine; the phosphorylation of choline is catalyzed by the enzyme choline kinase. The final step in this pathway is the conversion of phosphocholine into phosphatidylcholine, a process catalyzed by the enzyme 1,2-diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase. Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of all cell membranes within the body and is also required for the biosynthesis of lipoproteins.^[10][11]

Cyanocobalamin

After oral ingestion, cyanocobalamin binds to intrinsic factor as well as other cobalamin binding proteins before absorption. Once absorbed, it binds to plasma proteins before it is transported around the body. Within body tissues, the specific B12 binding proteins transcobalamin I and II facilitate the absorption of cyanocobalamin into the cells.^[12][13]

Cyanocobalamin is a cofactor for the synthesis of two major enzymes in the body namely methionine synthase and L-methymalonyl-CoA mutase. L-methymalonyl-CoA mutase converts L-methymalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA, which is essential for the metabolism of protein and fat. Methionine synthase plays a role in the production of purines and pyrimidines, which are building blocks in DNA synthesis.^[12][13]

There are certain clinical conditions under which Lipo-B (MIC) should be avoided or administered with caution. Some of these conditions include:

Hypersensitivity: Lipo-B (MIC) is absolutely contraindicated in individuals who have a demonstrated hypersensitivity to any components of the product.

Acidosis: This can be worsened by methionine administration.

Liver disease: This may impair the metabolism of the product components.

Hereditary optic nerve atrophy (Leber’s disease): Individuals with Leber’s disease may experience a worsening of their symptoms if administered products containing cyanocobalamin.^[14]

Lipo-B (MIC) is generally well tolerated in most individuals. As stated earlier, hypersensitivity to any of the product components is one of the adverse reactions that may occur after Lipo-B (MIC) injections. Additionally, toxic effects may occur if Lipo-B (MIC) is administered to individuals with hepatic diseases due to impaired metabolism. Some individuals may also experience generalized non-specific symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness, among others.

There are insufficient studies available to ascertain the safety as well as efficacy of Lipo-B (MIC) in pregnant mothers. However, Lipo-B (MIC) should generally not be administered to pregnant mothers to minimize any risks to the fetus.

There are insufficient studies available to ascertain the safety as well as efficacy of Lipo-B (MIC) breastfeeding mothers. However, Lipo-B (MIC) should generally not be administered to breastfeeding mothers to minimize any risks to the infant.

Store this medication at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and away from heat, moisture and light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the beyond use date. Do not flush unused medications or pour down a sink or drain.

1. Lopez, M.J., Mohiuddin, S.S, “Biochemistry, Essential Amino acids”, StatPearls. April 2020. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/
2. Parkhitko, A.A., Jouandin, P., Mohr, S.E., Perrimon, N.,” Methionine metabolism and methyltransferases in the regulation of aging and lifespan extension across species”, Aging Cell, vol.18 issue 6. December 2019. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826121/
3. ”What is methionine?”, amino acid studies. Available: https://aminoacidstudies.org/l-methionine/
4. ”Methionine”, Drug Bank. Available: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00134
5. Korsmo, H.W., “Choline: Exploring the Growing Science on its Benefits for Moms and Babies”, Nutrients, vol.11 issue 8. August 2019. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722688/#:~:text=The%20choline%20adequate%20intake%20(AI,day%20during%20lactation%20%5B3%5D.
6. ”Choline”, Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Available: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/#h8
7. Vasavada, A., Sanghavi, D., “Cyanocobalamin”, StatPearl. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555964/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20Action&text=Tissues%20absorb%20vitamin%20B12%20by,particularly%20in%20erythroid%20progenitor%20cells.
8. ”Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals”, National Institutes of Health. Available: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
9. Markham, G.D., Pajares, M.A., “Structure-function relationships in methionine adenosyltransferases”, Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, vol.66 issue 4, pp. 636-648. February 2009. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2643306/#
10. Korsmo, H.W., Jiang, X., Caudill, M.A., “Choline: Exploring the Growing Science on Its Benefits for Moms and Babies”, Nutrients, vol.11 issue 8.2019. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722688/#:~:text=The%20choline%20adequate%20intake%20(AI,day%20during%20lactation%20%5B3%5D.
11. Li, Z., Vance, D.E., “Phosphatidylcholine and choline homeostasis”, Journal of Lipid Research. Available: https://www.jlr.org/content/early/2008/01/19/jlr.R700019-JLR200.full.pdf
12. Vasavada, A., Sanghavi, D., “Cyanocobalamin”, StatPearl. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555964/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20Action&text=Tissues%20absorb%20vitamin%20B12%20by,particularly%20in%20erythroid%20progenitor%20cells.
13. ”Vitamin B12″, Drug Bank. Available: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00115
14. ”Cyanocobalamin – Drug Summary”, Prescribers’ Digital Reference. Available: https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Nascobal-cyanocobalamin-2286