Lipotropic Substances

Lipotropic substances

Lipotropic substances (lipotropa; from the Greek lipo - fat and tropos - direction) are a group of biologically active compounds that help accelerate metabolism and remove fat from the liver. Lipotropic substances include choline, inositol, methionine, betaine, etc.

The main function of lipotropic substances is to participate in the synthesis of phospholipids in cell membranes and the formation of lipoproteins that transport fats in the body. In addition, they promote the breakdown and removal of fats from the liver, preventing the development of fatty hepatosis.

Lipotropic substances are widely used as hepatoprotectors for liver diseases. They stimulate the regeneration of liver cells and reduce the manifestations of intoxication during hepatitis. Lipotropic substances are also used to improve lipid metabolism and as aids in weight loss.

Lipotropic is translated from Greek as “turning”, indicating that these compounds are actively involved in metabolic processes and are important for the body. And this is not surprising - lipotropics themselves are used by the body to restore and maintain energy.

Some of these substances are found in food, because. they are naturally synthesized in the body and help regulate blood lipid levels, ensure the exchange of bile acids, and participate in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism.

Interestingly, until recently, most lipotropic fatty acids and their triglycerides were not studied, so they were called lipotropics - “fat-promoting oils” or, in other words, “catabolic fats”. Now it is more correct to call them lipotrophic, i.e. promoting weight loss and helping to utilize fats. They can be found in both easily digestible forms (for example, in eggs,