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- Fat-Emulsifying Lipotropics:
Choline and Inositol
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- A lipotropic nutrient is one that promotes or
encourages the export of fat from the liver. Lipotropics are necessary for the maintenance
of a healthy
liver as well as burning the exported fat for additional energy. Without lipotropics
such as choline and inositol, fats and bile can become trapped in the liver, causing
severe problems such as cirrhosis and blocking fat metabolism. Choline is essential for
fat metabolism. Choline functions as a methyl donor and it is required for proper liver
function. Like inositol, choline is a lipotropic. Inositol exerts
lipotropic effects as well. An "unofficial" member of the B vitamins, inositol
has even been shown to relieve depression and panic attacks.
Methionine, an essential amino acid, is the
major lipotropic compound in humans. When estrogen levels are high, the body requires more
methionine. Estrogens reduce bile flow through the liver and increase bile cholesterol
levels. Methionine helps deactivate estrogens.
Methionine levels also affect the amount of
sulfur-containing compounds, such as glutathione, in the liver. Glutathione and other
sulfur-containing peptides (small proteins) play a critical role in defending against
toxic compounds. When higher levels of toxic compounds are present, more methionine is
needed.
Choline assists detoxification reactions in
the liver. Although choline can be synthesized from methionine or serine, recent evidence
indicates that choline is an essential nutrient.
Click here for Choline products
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