Lipo-C Injection

Lipo-C injection contains a mixture of compounds that may aid in the reduction of adipose tissue (fat). The mixture of compounds individually may be effective, however in combination they may exhibit more lipotropic activity than when administered alone in a synergistic fashion. Injection of this mixture of lipotropic compounds may be more effective than oral supplementation, this is due to the increased bioavailability of parenteral exposure.

These lipotropic agents are structurally and functionally closely related to the B-vitamins, or are involved in the homeostasis of energy production from fat. These compounds are often employed together in the hope of potentiating fat-loss, thus while the Methionine Choline mixture and B vitamin(s) are often injected separately, they are part of the same overall injection cycle. The non-vitamin compounds that are injected into the body stimulate the liver into optimizing the process of metabolism, elevate the movement of and utilization of fat, and provide the needed metabolic environment of the body for a fatty acid (fat) mobilization and utilization.

Lipotropic compounds are used on the potential for release of fat deposits in some parts of the body. They sometimes go by the names Lipo-Den, Lipo-Plex, Lipo Shot, or MIC Injection. The lipotropic agents included in this injection are:

Methionine

Methionine helps the liver maintain the optimal ability to process fatty acids.^[1] Methionine is a major constituent of S-adenosylmethionine which has been shown to be associated in genetic regulation and activation of certain genes.^[2] Methionine contributes to methyl donation to histones that activate certain genetic processes that may be involved in the increase in lean tissue. Although indirectly linked to lipolysis, it is believed that the increase in lean tissue increases resting metabolic rate, therefore increasing the overall required calories that must be obtained from storage or dietary intake. Methionine, via S-adenosylmethionine, has been shown in animal models to increase CNS activity, therefore increasing the caloric requirements required by the CNS^[3] The downstream effects of this may ultimately lead to increased caloric requirements for the entire organism. Although studies have not been replicated.^[4] in humans, there may be an association due to the similarity in pathways shared between organisms.

Choline

Choline is a simple molecule usually classified as a B vitamin. The B vitamin class is usually involved in the generation of energy and support of metabolism. Choline is an important precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is involved in a host of activities, one of which includes muscular function and contraction. Acetylcholine is a fundamental neurotransmitter that enables the communication between neurons. Increased neural communication results in increased CNS activity which ultimately leads to increased energy expenditure. Energy expenditure requires nutrient input, either from stored energy (fat), or dietary nutrients. Choline exist in a delicate balance and homeostasis with methionine and folate. When these nutrients are not in balance adverse health effects may be present. Along with the increase in CNS activity comes increased cognitive ability, reported by many users. Choline may be effective as a nootropic, or a substance with ability to increase cognition. Increased neural cognition is thought to be due to choline’s role as a precursor to acetylcholine.

The supplementation of choline has been shown to reduce serum and urinary carnitine.^[4] The reduction of carnitine in these fluids may indicate carnitine has been partitioned in tissues that utilize it as a fatty acid mitochondrial transport. When carnitine is used in the mitochondria it transports fatty acids to the location which they are broken down and used as energy. It has also been reported that molecular fragments of fat have been found in urine after carnitine and choline supplementation, which may be due to incomplete fatty acid oxidation and the removal of the subsequent byproducts.^[4] This means, choline supplementation may increase the utilization of carnitine and increase the removal of fatty acids, even though all fatty acids are not burned as energy. The fragments of fatty acids not burned as energy are extruded in the urine as molecular fragments.

Methionine, which helps the liver maintain the optimal ability to process fatty acids;^[5] Choline, which stimulates the mobilization of fatty acids and prevents their deposition in a given part of the body;^[6] and, Inositol, which aids in the transport of fat into and out of the liver and intestinal cells, acts synergistically with choline, exhibiting more lipotropic activity than when administered alone.^[7]
As soon as the effect of all 6 of these substances wears out, the body gradually begins returning to its normal rate of fat and general metabolism.

Typically, these compounds are administered in concert. Injections can be administered up to twice a week. B12 is purported by its users and practitioners to help speed up overall metabolic processes and create a greater feeling of overall energy & well-being.^[8] Because these lipotropics are structurally and functionally closely related to the B-vitams, they are often employed together in the hope of potentiating the potential for fat-loss, thus while the mixture and B vitamin(s) are often injected separately, they are part of the same overall injection cycle. The non-vitamin compounds that are injected into the body stimulate the liver into optimizing the process of metabolism, elevate the movement of and utilization of fat, and boost the metabolic power of the body for a while.

Other compounds are included as an attempt to further potentiate these effects:

L-Carnitine
Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5)

If you have an allergy to methionine, choline, or any part of this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. This includes rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Potential side effects include stomach upset and urinary problems due to the strain the injections place on the kidneys. Depression is another possible side effect. Some patients are unable to control their urine, and/or have diarrhea. Finally, some patients reported an unpleasant odor. Lipotropic injections change the function of the digestive system temporarily. This can result in extreme exhaustion, since the body is not used to working at this level and condition. Unexplained pain in unrelated parts of the body is another potential side effect. Patients have complained of pain in the neck and parts of the hand. How these injections cause these pains is not clear. Some patients have also experienced joint pains and allergic reactions to the injections. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you are experiencing any signs of an allergic reaction: wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; also if you experience severe behavioral problems, chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat, severe dizziness or passing out, nervousness and excitability, or severe headache.

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. Best, C.H. and J.H. Ridout, The lipotropic action of methionine. J Physiol, 1940. 97(4): p. 489-94.
2. Jones, P.A. and D. Takai, The role of DNA methylation in mammalian epigenetics. Science, 2001. 293(5532): p. 1068-70.
3. Young, S.N. and M. Shalchi, The effect of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine on S-adenosylmethionine levels in the rat brain. J Psychiatry Neurosci, 2005. 30(1): p. 44-8.
4. Hongu, N. and D.S. Sachan, Carnitine and choline supplementation with exercise alter carnitine profiles, biochemical markers of fat metabolism and serum leptin concentration in healthy women. J Nutr, 2003. 133(1): p. 84-9.
5. Best CH, Ridout JH. “The Lipotropic Action of Methionine”. Journal of Physiology. 3 Oct 1939;97:489-494.
6. Artom C. “Mechanism of Action of Choline”. American Journal of clinical Nutrition
7. Gavin G, Patterson J, McHenry W. ” Comparison of the Lipotropic Effects of Choline, Inositol, and Lipocaic in Rats”. Journal of Biochemistry. 29 Jan 1943;148:275-279.
8. Solomon L. “Disorders of cobalamin (Vitamin B12) metabolism: Emerging concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment”. Elsevier Review. pp. 1-15. Web.