Myth: If I take a carnitine supplement it will help me lose fat quickly.

Answer: BUSTED!

Everyone would love to find that ‘magic pill’ that instantly sheds unwanted pounds. The current selection of weight loss pills on the market is endless and each one claims the same results – quick and easy weight loss. Carnitine is currently marketed as another ‘magic pill’ that promises to burn large amounts of fat in a short period of time. Carnitine is involved with the breakdown of fat in the body, and some believe that over-supplementing with this nutrient will cause fast weight loss. While this theory sounds promising, the current research shows that this supplement is not effective for weight loss. There is also concern with consuming greater than 3 grams per day because it has shown side effects that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and could possibly lead to kidney disease. The major concern with carnitine and several other supplements is that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate or regularly test them, and therefore these products cannot be guaranteed safe.

There is no magic pill!

The best and healthiest way to lose weight is to be physically active and have a well-balanced diet. Visit Missouri Families for additional nutrition and health information.

Contributors: Andrea Cossetta, St. Louis University Dietetic Intern & Mary Wissmann, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, St. Louis County, University of Missouri Extension, WissmannM@missouri.edu