In recent years, medical weight loss using diabetes medications has become a hot topic. We have also covered this on our clinic's blog, so please feel free to refer to it.

These medications are generally expected to promote weight loss by inhibiting sugar absorption and production, or by suppressing appetite itself.

The ingredients introduced this time, L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid, are expected to promote weight loss through mechanisms different from these diabetes medications. Let's take a look at the effects of each ingredient.

*Please note: Currently, our clinic does not offer Diet IV Drips (L-carnitine / α-lipoic acid IV drips).

Two Ingredients in Diet IV Drips

Generally, two ingredients—L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid—are administered via intravenous (IV) drip. Let's examine the effects of each.

1. What is L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine is a compound synthesized from two essential amino acids called lysine and methionine. It exists in almost all cells in the body. It is particularly abundant in muscle tissue, accounting for nearly 90% of the body's total supply.

[Supplementary Note] Classification of Amino Acids (Essential vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids)

Amino acids, which serve as building blocks for proteins, are categorized into two types based on whether they can be synthesized by the human body:

• Essential Amino Acids: The 9 amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize. Because they cannot be produced internally, they must be obtained through diet.
• Non-Essential Amino Acids:The 11 amino acids that can be synthesized by the body.

Although the terms "essential" and "non-essential" can be misleading, all amino acids are indispensable for the body. Every amino acid plays a vital role in protein synthesis.

Note that L-carnitine is actually produced in the liver and kidneys as well, but in small amounts—accounting for only about 25% of the total. The remaining 75% of total body L-carnitine relies on dietary intake.

Functions of L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is a compound synthesized from amino acids and is present in almost all cells in the body.

It contributes to fat breakdown by transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria. It also binds to excess lipids within cells and helps excrete them from the bloodstream into the urine.

Excessive lipid accumulation inside cells inhibits glucose uptake and is considered one of the contributing causes of diabetes associated with aging or high-fat diets. Therefore, L-carnitine's fat-excretion function is essential for normalizing the intracellular lipid environment.

2. What is α-Lipoic Acid?

α-Lipoic acid (also known as thioctic acid) is a vitamin-like substance. It is present in mitochondria—the energy-producing organelles inside cells—which were mentioned earlier.

Food sources include beef and pork liver, heart, and kidneys, as well as vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli. While it is synthesized in the liver, stored levels in the body are known to gradually decrease with age.

Functions of α-Lipoic Acid

α-Lipoic acid acts as a coenzyme in glucose metabolism and subsequent energy production, and is expected to boost overall cellular metabolism.

Risks and Side Effects of Diet IV Drips

The following common risks and side effects have been reported in connection with this treatment (IV drip):
General symptoms associated with IV infusions, such as pain or redness at the injection site, may occur.

In addition, individuals who are pregnant or may be pregnant cannot receive this treatment.

Combination with Daily Exercise

Combining this treatment (IV drip) with exercise therapy is expected to promote more efficient weight management and metabolic improvement.

Important Notice Regarding This Article

This article is an informational column introducing the ingredients and characteristics of "Diet IV Drips" based on general medical knowledge. Currently, our clinic (NAG Orthopedics) does not offer Diet IV Drips (L-carnitine / α-lipoic acid IV drips).

Please note that the administration of L-carnitine or α-lipoic acid via IV drip for weight loss purposes constitutes off-label (unapproved) use under the PMD Act (Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Act of Japan). If you are considering treatment at another clinic, please ensure you receive a thorough explanation regarding costs, risks, and side effects directly from that facility.

参考文献
Flanagan JL, et al. Role of carnitine in disease. Nutr Metab. 2010
厚生労働省　α-リポ酸に関するQ＆A

Director of NAG Orthopedics: Yoshimasa Nagumo

Orthopedic Specialist & Sports Doctor

Dr. Nagumo initially built his career as a surgical oncologist specializing in orthopedic cancer treatment. Subsequently, he moved to the United States to engage in advanced research in the field of regenerative medicine.

It was during his time in the U.S. that a personal injury led him to realize the critical importance of sports medicine. Upon returning to Japan, he transitioned his focus to become a sports orthopedic surgeon.

Currently, he leads the "Athlete Support Program," which provides comprehensive medical support to athletes using a combination of blood analysis and cutting-edge regenerative medicine technologies.

[Click here for the program introduction page:https://nagseikei.jp/en/dr/]