ANSWER
According to the review articles, L-carnitine often relates to the role of carnitine in fat metabolism. It is often advertised to improve fat metabolism, reduce fat mass and increase muscle mass. The rationale for carnitine supplementation as a weight-loss agent is based on the assumption that regular oral ingestion of the substance increases its intracellular concentration. This would trigger increased fat oxidation and gradual reduction of the body’s fat reserves (Kalpana & Aruna, 2012; Karlic & Lohninger, 2004).
The common white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) produces an alpha-amylase inhibitor, which has been characterized and tested in numerous clinical studies. A specific and proprietary product named Phase 2® Carb Controller (Pharmachem Laboratories, Kearny, NJ) has demonstrated the ability to cause weight loss with doses of 500 to 3000 mg per day. Experiments conducted with the Phase 2 alpha-amylase inhibitor indicate that it reduces the rate of absorption of carbohydrates, thereby reducing the GI of foods. The evidence also indicates that Phase 2 promotes weight loss when taken concurrently with meals containing carbohydrates (Udani & Singh, 2007; Barrett & Udani, 2011).
References
Barrett, M. L. & Udani, J. K. (2011). A proprietary alpha-amylase inhibitor from white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): A review of clinical studies on weight loss and glycemic control. Nutrition Journal, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-24
Kalpana, R., & Aruna, A. (2012). Effects of L-Carnitine (Neutraceutical) In Weight Management among Overweight and Obese Adults of Age between 20-45 yrs – A Comparative Study in Chennai and Tirupathi. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2(9).
Karlic, H., & Lohninger, A. (2004). Supplementation of l-carnitine in athletes: does it make sense? Nutrition, 20(7-8), 709-715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2004.04.003
Udani, J. & Singh, B. B. (2007). Blocking Carbohydrate Absorption and Weight Loss: A Clinical Trial using a Proprietary Fractionated White Bean Extract. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 13(4), 32-37.
