L-Carnitine
An essential metabolite derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Carnitine is frequently added to weight loss supplements due to its critical role in beta-oxidation – the process of turning long-chain fatty acids into energy. Supplemental carnitine may or may not boost fat oxidation (the data is conflicting) – however it’s a moot point as weight loss supplements rarely provide more than just trace amounts, anyway.
Carnitine supplements may have some value, however, for general health and disease prevention. Carnitine (in the form of l-carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine or propionyl-l-carnitine) may be beneficial for a range of conditions, including heart disease, male fertility and sexual health and age-related cognitive impairment.
See Paul’s article: “Carnitine Review: Does Carnitine Burn Fat?” for more information.
Methyl Hydroxy Chalcone Polymer (MHCP)
The most active compound in cinnamon, which has been shown to have insulin-like effects in-vitro (i.e., in cell culture experiments). MHCP may be responsible for the improvements in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity seen in (some) studies on cinnamon supplementation.
Also written as “methylhydroxy chalcone polymer”.
Cinnulin PF
A proprietary, water-soluble cinnamon extract produced by Integrity Nutraceuticals. Cinnulin PF is standardized for polyphenol type-A polymers, which have been shown to have insulin-like activity in-vitro. A recent, peer-reviewed study demonstrated that Cinnulin PF improved fasting blood glucose, blood pressure and body composition in pre-diabetic subjects.
Also see: Methyl Hydroxy Chalcone Polymer (MHCP).
Cinnamomum cassia
An Asian tree used as a source of cinnamon.
Cinnamon
A spice produced from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia, that has been shown in some (but not all) studies to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Cinnamon or cinnamon extracts are often added to both weight loss and carb-containing pre-workout/NO-boosting supplements. Supplement labels may list it as “Cinnamon bark extract,” “Cassia extract,” “Cassia” or “Cinnulin PF” – which is a proprietary cinnamon extract.
Forslean
A patented, proprietary extract of Coleus forskohlii often used in weight loss supplements. Forslean is produced by the Sabinsa Corporation and is standardized for forskolin, a compound shown to have modest effects on fat loss.
