MIC-L-Carnitine Injection

Overview

MIC is an acronym for L-Methionine, Inositol, and Choline. Each of the individual MIC components are called lipotropic agents. They are believed to work synergistically to help with the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body. They have also been shown to be of benefit in the removal of fats from the liver.

While researchers recognize the role of lipotropics in fat metabolism, specifically in the liver, there is no substantial published evidence that MIC-L-Carnitine injection will help patients lose weight. Most research on the mechanics of lipotropics is very old and the majority of research was performed on rodents.^{1, 2, 3, 4} Nevertheless, lipotropic agents may be prescribed in combination with a healthy diet, exercise regimen, and routine counseling sessions as part of a medically-guided weight loss plan. Injections are often administered once to twice weekly by a health care provider.

Methionine

Methionine is one of nine essential amino acids, meaning it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained within the diet or as a supplement. Dietary sources of methionine include meats, dairy products, spinach, potatoes, Brazil nuts, and sesame seeds.^{5, 6}

Methionine plays a role in various processes in the body including:

• The production of L-cysteine, carnitine, adrenaline, choline, melatonin, etc.
• The production of lecithin in the liver, thereby helping to lower serum cholesterol levels and process fatty acids.
• The donation of sulfur to support the development of nails and hair growth.
• The donation of methyl groups to histones that activate certain genetic processes that may be involved in the increase in lean tissue.
• The increase in CNS activity (and therefore caloric requirements of the CNS).
• The excretion of heavy metals through chelation.
• The protection against hepatotoxins such as acetaminophen.^{7, 8, 9, 10}

Inositol

Inositol is a sugar alcohol produced by the liver and kidneys. It was once believed to be a type of B vitamin. It is also found in beans, fruits, and peanuts. Inositol has been found to decrease fatty acid synthesis by preventing the enzymes responsible for the production of triglycerides that reside in body fat. It also acts as a second messenger for hormones such as insulin and follicle stimulating hormone.^{10, 11, 12, 13} Additionally, inositol may be effective in reducing insulin resistance, a condition where the body is resistant to insulin and exhibits increased body fat.¹⁴

It has been found to work synergistically with choline and displays heightened lipotropic actions than when given alone.¹⁵

Choline

Choline is a nutrient responsible for a number of metabolic pathways in the human body. While it is produced in the liver, it is still considered an essential dietary nutrient because the amount produced is not enough to meet the body’s needs. Soybeans, eggs, beef liver, cauliflower, tofu and almonds are food sources rich in choline.

Choline plays a role in various processes in the body including:

• The mobilization of fatty acids and prevention of their deposition in a given part of the body.
• The production of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine (needed for cell membrane integrity).
• It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that allows communication between neurons, muscular contraction and function, and increased CNS activity.
• The modulation of gene expression and cell membrane signaling.
• Fetal brain development.^{15, 16, 17}

L-Carnitine

Levocarnitine is a substance produced by the liver from the amino acids methionine and lysine and found naturally in mammalian muscle. It is required in the conversion of macronutrients into cellular energy. Levocarnitine acts by transporting fatty acids to the location within the mitochondria to be broken down and used as energy. Research suggests choline supplementation may increase the utilization of carnitine as well as the removal of fatty acids, thereby reducing serum and urinary carnitine levels.¹⁸ Therefore, those taking MIC injections may find benefit with the addition of L-carnitine as a means of maintaining adequate levels of the substance. Levocarnitine has also been used clinically in the treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiency, Alzheimer’s disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity, and hyperlipoproteinemia.¹⁹

Since MIC molecules are closely related to the B-vitamins, the MIC-L-Carnitine injection may be given together with vitamin B₁₂ (and/or other B-vitamins) to enhance the lipotropic effects and to increase the perception of well-being and energy.²⁰