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Amino acids and their significance in fat burning

Amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements play a significant role in weight loss.

Whether we gradually put on weight or stay slim generally depends on our hormones. And herein lays the key to weight loss: the systematic supplementation of certain amino acids allows us to stimulate the body to produce enough fat-burning hormones – in a natural manner and in harmony with the body's needs.

One important fat-burning hormone is the growth hormone (somatotrophin, STH).

We produce this hormone while we sleep. It stimulates protein synthesis and boosts fat oxidation. Overweight patients generally have lower STH concentrations, which often hinders weight reduction.¹ Unfortunately, the growth hormone is very expensive (approximately EUR 500–800 for a monthly ration) and must be injected under close and competent medical supervision. It is thus safer to simulate our bodies to secrete this hormone naturally. Certain amino acids have been shown to do this in many cases if sufficient quantities are taken on an empty stomach at night.²

Amino acids capable of this are:

• arginine³
• glutamine⁴
• glycine⁵

The synthesis of the growth hormone also requires vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and zinc.

Studies have shown that obese patients may have a carnitine deficiency.

In this case, carnitine substitution (food supplementation) is certainly worthwhile. Carnitine is a biocarrier (transport substance), which is synthesised in the liver – and its precursor in the kidneys – from the two essential amino acids lysine and methionine. It acts as a carrier molecule that transports long-chain fatty acids through the inner mitochondrial membrane. Long-chain fatty acids can only pass through the membrane if they have been esterified with carnitine, whereas medium- and short-chain fatty acids can pass without this carrier (transport molecule).⁶

Carnitine as a fat burner

Carnitine transports fatty acids more quickly and throws them into the metabolic furnace.⁷ This means that the body is burning fat instead of storing it. Owing to its fat-oxidising effect, carnitine is also used for weight reduction and is often referred to as a "fat burner".

Carnitine is synthesised in five steps that also involve the essential co-factors vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin and folic acid. A deficiency in any of these substances may limit carnitine biosynthesis.

At the University of Leipzig, a study design was proposed to directly measure the influence of carnitine on fat oxidation in humans. In the meantime, the results of this study have been confirmed by the University of Rostock:

There was clear evidence that carnitine can increase fat oxidation in certain cells of the body.

Furthermore, work by two scientists from Switzerland and the USA has now proved that the administration of carnitine can boost mobilisation of fatty acids from the adipocytes (fat cells) and also increase oxidation of fatty acids in these cells.8 Moreover, sufficient data has been obtained from seven animal models which all clearly prove that carnitine supplementation during a calorie-reduced diet can lead not only to a significant decrease in the body fat compared to a placebo, but also to a simultaneous increase in fat-free muscle mass.⁹

The Institute of Sports Medicine at the University of Leipzig reported that an increased availability of fatty acids is necessary for high carnitine efficiency. This can only be achieved by more physical activity or by the administration of caffeine.¹⁰

Glutamine counteracts fat storage

Glutamine can be converted to glucose in the kidneys without affecting the glucagon and insulin counts. Therefore, it also contributes to the energy supply while being able to bypass insulin-induced fat storage.¹¹

Studies with mice have shown that it counteracts the storage of dietary fats and thus helps regulate weight. One study showed that supplementation with glutamine in a high-fat diet resulted in a loss of body fat. Furthermore, glutamine can reduce cravings for sugar and alcohol.¹²

Not only are the amino acids of importance, but the complete vitamin B complex is as well. For example, vitamin B6 is required to synthesise proteins. The metabolism of the amino acids glutamine, glycine, arginine as well as carnitine is disturbed if this vitamin is missing.

Zinc-containing enzymes are essential for the biosynthesis of many hormones, such as growth hormone, thyroid hormone, sex hormones, etc. A zinc deficiency causes a tendency to hypoglycaemia coupled with increased insulin secretion and thus to a greater tendency to store fat. Zinc also affects the appetite centre in the brain.