Accessory Nutrients and Carnitine

Accessory Nutrients

As opposed to the vitamins and minerals on which the body's systems rely on to function, which are considered to be "essential" nutrients, the list of "accessory" nutrients includes several substances which the body naturally produces to assist and enhance functionality. Although not essential for optimal health, accessory nutrients are commonly ingested as a supplement by people seeking specific health benefits, with patients suffering from insomnia or other sleep-related ailments finding the effects of melatonin to be both therapeutic and curative in nature. The following description of a few widely used accessory nutrients is intended to answer several questions, including 1.) Where are they being sold? 2.) What is the price? 3.) Do they mention good manufacturing practices (GMPs)? 4.) How about dosage and ingredients? 5.) Can you find the Nutrition Facts Panel?.

Carnitine:

According to Dan's Essentials, one of many online vendors which carry and distribute Carnitine, this accessory nutrient is a "compound that stimulates the breakdown of long chain fatty acids by mitochondria, which are tiny energy producing organelles in the cells" (2014). Generally used by laymen as a weight loss supplement, as Carnitine accelerates the metabolic processes associated with the use of caloric energy, this accessory nutrient is most often bundled with similar supplements to create a medley purported to stimulate weight loss and enhance the efficiency of exercise. For example, the product "PFC Burn Fat Burn" contains a blended powder mix containing 50 mg of L-Carnitine, in addition to 108 mcg of Chromium Picolinate, 250 mg of Inulin, and 50 mg of Garcinia Extract, which is meant to be mixed into an edible smoothie. A jar containing 1 pound of this mixture is listed for $37.64 on the Dan's Essentials website, while competitors like The Vitamin Shoppe list a jar containing 60 pills, each with 500-mg of solely Carnitine, for $18.99.