Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)

Medium chain triglycerides differ from triglycerides found in the blood serum. The triglycerides found in blood are long carbon chain fatty acids and are not metabolized by the body very well. Thus these triglycerides accumulate in the blood and fat cells that are harmful for health. But medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have a shorter carbon chain and behave entirely in a different manner. MCT is absorbed rapidly by the body and gets transported to the liver, for energy production. MCT does not get rancid, does not accumulate in blood, fat cells and do not get deposited on the abdomen or hips.

Effective for:

• Cancer therapy
• Cholesterol gall stones
• Cirrhosis
• Cystic fibrosis management
• Digestive disorders
• Epilepsy
• Weight loss

Supplements: MCT oil is the most common and versatile supplemental form available both as capsules and liquid form.

Recommended Dose:

Daily dosage 1 teaspoon or five 100 mg capsules taken with meals

Side effects and precautions:

High dosage can result in diarrhea and nausea

Omega 6 and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

In an average person's diet today there is an over consumption of omega-6 fats and this is a significant cause for premature aging, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Yet members of omega-6 fats are vital for life. Only these fats can convert themselves to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is needed for production of eicosanoids, prostagladins and is the most natural therapy to fend off premature aging, allergies and other degenerative illnesses. An enzyme called delta-6-desaturase is needed to convert omega-6 fats to GLA which many of us lack and the older we grow we lose this enzyme. The enzyme is built from vitamin c, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, zinc and magnesium.

GLA Effective for:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetic complications
• Dry skin
• e.coli bacterial infections
• Healthy skin
• High cholesterol
• Immune weakness
• Multiple sclerois
• Obesity
• Pre menstrual syndrome
• Schizophrenia

Supplements: A good source of GLA is evening primrose oil or borage oil. GLA is also found in black currant seeds.

Recommended Dose:

• 240 mg of GLA daily
• 270 mg of GLA for brittle nails, dry eyes, dry mouth
• 300 mg to 500 mg for eczema
• 400 mg of GLA daily for lowering blood cholesterol, diabetic complications
• 1400 mg  of GLA (taken along with Omega 3) for rheumatoid arthritis

Omega-3

Omega-3 is one of the two essential fatty acids vital for good health. Three specific fatty acids are found in omega-3: alpha-liolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Best dietary sources of omega-3 are fish and fish oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, chia seeds, soyabean oil, walnut oil, eggs from flaxmeal fed hens. Flaxseed oil is an important source of alpha linolenic acid. To a lesser extent canola and walnut oils also provide alpha linolenic acid. For EPA and DHA, cold-water fish and fish oil are by far the best source. 

EPA and DHA are generally considered together but each alone also has its benefits. EPA demonstrated stronger anti-inflammatory actions. DHA seems to be more important for brain health particularly brain and eye development in infants. Supplements of EPA should be restricted during infancy as it may suppress the action of other essential fatty acids. Mother’s milk is rich in DHA. DHA alone may improve schizophrenia treatment and lower triglycerides. 

Effective for: 

• Acne 
• Angina 
• Arrhythmia 
• Arthritis 
• Asthma 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Diabetes 
• Eczema 
• High blood pressure 
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Colitis, Chron’s disease 
• Kidney disease: nephritis, lupus nephritis, glomerulonephritis 
• Lowers triglycerides 
• Lupus 
• Mood disorders 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Scleroderma 
• Thrombocytopenia 
• Treating cancer 

Supplements: 

As supplementation fish oil provides the best source of EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil can also be taken but the body has to convert the flaxseed fatty acid to EPA and DHA which may take weeks. EPA and DHA are extremely unstable and prone to degradation, to safe guard against this vitamin E should also be taken (400 IU). 

Recommended Dose: 

• Pregnant mothers 1000 mg of DHA per day along with one teaspoon flaxseed oil daily 
• For high blood pressure a minimum of 2gms daily
• Lowering triglyceride a minimum of 1gm each EPA and DHA daily, also upto 10 gms of DHA alone 
• Therapeutic doses for certain conditions can be up to 10 gms 

Side effects and precautions: 

Omega-3 is completely safe even in extremely large doses

Acetyl L-carnitine

Acetyl L-cartinine is a derivative of the amino acid carnitine. Acetyl L-cartinine is produced naturally in the body and vigorous exercise aids the body in making Acetyl L-cartinine from carnitine. Acetyl L-cartinine is involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism and in the transport of fats to a cell organelle called the mitochondria. Acetyl L-cartinine is better absorbed and probably more active than plain carnitine, it is the most studied compound for its anti aging effects. Total brain levels of Acetyl L-cartinine and carnitine decline with age. 

Effective for: 

• Accelerates recovery from stroke
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Limits damage caused by oxygen starvation 
• Protects against oxidative stress 
• Senile dementia 
• Slows the progression of Alzheimer’s 
• Strengthening the immune system 

Supplements: 

It is beneficial to take Acetyl L-cartinine along with carnitine. 

Recommended Dose: 

• 500-1000 mg daily to improve mental and physical performance 
• 1500-3000 mg daily for immune enhancement 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Don’t take Acetyl L-cartinine in the evening as it may interfere with sleep. 
• People with epilepsy should use it with extreme caution.

Carnitine

Carnitine is not an amino acid in the strictest sense but its chemical structure is similar to an amino acid, thus it is usually considered as one. Carnitine is a substance related to the B vitamins. Carnitine is required in the body to convert fat into energy. This is a major source of energy for the muscle. Carnitine also enhances the effectiveness of antioxidants vitamin E and C. 

Effective for: 

• Aids in weight loss 
• Burn body fat 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• For energy and endurance 
• Improve sperm motility 
• Lessens risk of heart disorders (Cardiomyopathy) 
• Lower blood triglyceride levels 
• Prevention of fatty buildup in heart and liver 
• Prevention of muscle atrophy 

Supplements: 

Supplement of carnitine is available in different forms including D-carnitine, L-carnitine and DL-carnitine. DL-carnitine is not recommended as it may cause toxicity. 

Recommended Dose: 

• For preventive purposes 500mg -1 gm daily 
• For heart problems 1-2 gms daily 

Side effects and precautions:

If taking heart medication a less dosage may be required that must be taken under medical supervision, a consultation of nutritionally aware cardiologist should be consulted

Histidine

Histidine is an essential amino acid that plays a role in the growth and repair of tissues, maintenance of the myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells and production of red and white blood cells. The body gets all the histidine it requires by synthesizing it. 

Effective for: 

• Aids in removing heavy metals from body 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• Protection from radiation damage 
• Reduce inflammation 

Supplements: 

• Most of the body’s minimal requirement of histidine is obtained through food. 

Recommended Dose: 

• Consult a nutritionally oriented physician for dosage. 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Histidine can aggravate allergies. 
• Histidine supplements might increase blood pressure. 

Branched chain amino acids: Valine, Leucine, isoleucine

Amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine are the muscle sparing amino acids also know as the branched chain amino acids. These amino acids preserve the muscles and all other tissue (except bones and fat in the body) from constant breakdown due to metabolism. The body regenerates tissue using these branched chained amino acids as the building blocks for new protein.

Effective for: 

For wasting disease such as-

• AIDS 
• Cancer 
• End stage kidney failure 
• Critically ill patients 

Supplements: 

A therapeutic dose of the branched chained amino acid is best taken along with L-glutamine. 

Recommended Dose: 

• 4-5 gm valine 
• 3-4 grams leucine 
• 2-3 grams isoleucine 
• 4-6 grams L-glutamine