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Super Supplement #2: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha lipoic acid is a superior anti-inflammatory, that penetrates all portions of the cell because it is both fat and water soluble. On a cellular level alpha lipoic acid exerts a wide variety of positive actions, all of them anti-inflammatory. In addition to its function as a powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory, alpha lipoic acid increases the body’s ability to take glucose into the cells. This increased sensitivity to insulin results in decreased blood sugar levels and accelerated weight loss.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS: Because alpha lipoic acid is found only in trace amounts in food, it must be taken as a supplement. Twenty-five to thirty milligrams is adequate for a young healthy person. I recommend anywhere from two to four hundred milligrams of alpha lipoic acid per day to my patients with specific health problems, or who are trying to lose body fat.

Alpha Lipoic Tips:
In the metabolic cycle, Alpha Lipoic Acid acts as a coenzyme in the production of energy by converting carbohydrates into energy (ATP).

ALA is the only antioxidant that can boost cellular levels of glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant to overall health and longevity.

Take with meals.

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Perricone MD Alpha Lipoic Acid 3
Perricone MD Skin & Total Body
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Super Anti-oxidant

Super Supplement #4: Carnitine
Carnitine is a water soluble nutrient, very much like a B vitamin, that allows us to convert fat into energy. Carnitine and its derivative, acetyl L-carnitine (see below) are two of the most important nutrients for weight loss. However, for carnitine to have optimum effect, we must have adequate essential fatty acids (such as omega-3s) present in the diet. Carnitine is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. Small amounts of carnitine can be obtained from foods such as meats and dairy products, but to get an adequate supply we must take carnitine supplements. Carnitine provides anti-aging benefits in that it enhances energy production in the cell, which is needed for cellular repair. Studies have also shown that carnitine helps prevent muscle loss during illness and also prevents the muscle loss associated with aging, known as sarcopenia. Carnitine is protective of liver function and enhances and protects the immune system, especially under stressful conditions.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: The recommended dose for an adult under the age of 30 without ill health or obesity is approximately 500 milligrams per day. For those who are obese or have other health problems, the recommendation is 1500 to 2000 milligrams per day, taken in 500 milligram doses 3 or 4 times per day.

Carnitine Tips
For carnitine to have optimum effect, make sure you have an adequate omega-3 intake.

Do not take carnitine in the evening as it may interfere with sleep.

Carnitine may be taken with or without food.

For better utilization of fat for energy take omega 3 fish oil with carnitine.

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Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #5: Acetyl L-Carnitine
Like carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine improves mitochondrial function, but to an even greater degree – because it can pass through the mitochondrial membrane. And like carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine functions best when there is adequate dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Both forms of carnitine are important in a weight loss regimen because they act as natural anti-inflammatories, they aid in transportation of fats into the mitochondria to be burned. They also enhance the sensitivity of insulin receptors, helping to decrease blood sugar and circulating levels of insulin. As we have learned, high levels of insulin are inflammatory and ‘lock’ our body fat in place.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 500 milligrams per day; however, individuals on a weight loss program may take up to 1500 milligrams of acetyl-carnitine daily.

Acetyl-l-Carnitine tips:
Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine are not to be used by people with bipolar disease (manic depression) or those who are susceptible to seizures (epilepsy) unless recommended by their physician.

Do not take acetyl-l-carnitine after 3 PM to prevent any difficulties with sleeping.

Exercise naturally increases our levels of acetyl-l-carnitine, however, if we are obese, over thirty, or have other health problems, it will not raise them to therapeutic levels; therefore supplementation is necessary.

Acetyl-l-carnitine may be taken with or without food.

For better utilization of fat for energy take omega 3 fish oil with carnitine.

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Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #6: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is a fatty acid that is found in many of the foods we eat. At one time, beef and lamb were exceptional sources; however when their diet was changed from grass to grain, levels of CLA dramatically decreased in meat and dairy products. CLA is also a powerful aid in prevention and treatment of obesity. When taken in effective doses, CLA decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen.

In addition to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing actions of CLA, many studies show that CLA helps prevent muscle loss and weakness associated with aging and disease. This is one of the reasons CLA has long been a favorite supplement of athletes and body builders.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 1,000 mg, up to a maximum of 4,000 mg per day, taken in 1 or 2 doses.

CLA Tips:
When take with sesame seeds, the effects of CLA are enhanced.

The average diet provides no more than a gram (1000 mg) of CLA per day.

CLA may be taken with meals.

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Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #8: Chromium
Chromium is a critical nutrient in our effort to control and reduce excess body fat. By supplementing our diets with chromium, we can effectively lower blood sugar and insulin levels—the key to the anti-inflammatory weight loss diet.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: I suggest 100 micrograms (mcg’s.) per day for the average person over 40 and up to 200 mcg’s per day for those on The Perricone Weight Loss Diet.

Chromium Tips
Chromium is an essential nutrient required for normal sugar and fat metabolism.

Chromium is important for energy production, and also plays a key role in regulating appetite, reducing sugar cravings, and lowering body fat.

Chromium absorption is made more difficult when milk, as well as when foods high in phosphorus are eaten at the same time.

Don’t take chromium with foods rich in phytic acid (unleavened bread, raw beans, seeds, nuts and grains and soy isolates) as this may decrease its absorption.

The recommended type of this supplement is Chromium Polynicotinate.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Super Anti-oxidant

Super Supplement #10: Dimethlaminoethanol (DMAE)
DMAE is a naturally occurring nutritional substance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. DMAE is important in the production of neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine, which is essential in the communication from one nerve to another and between nerves and muscles. In order for your muscles to contract, the message must be sent from your nerves to your muscles via acetylcholine. DMAE also has membrane stabilizing effects and can also help reduce body fat, most likely from its activity as a precursor to acetylcholine as well as its anti-inflammatory activity. Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: My recommended dose is 50 to 100 milligrams per day. For certain therapeutic uses, such as lowering cholesterol, larger doses may be recommended. As always consult your physician.

DMAE Tips:
DMAE is a naturally occurring nutritional substance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

DMAE also has membrane stabilizing effects and can also help reduce body fat, most likely from its activity as a precursor to acetylcholine as well as its anti-inflammatory activity.

Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone.

For optimum health, beauty and weight loss benefits, I recommend eating fish rich in DMAE, taking DMAE supplements as well as applying a topical lotion containing DMAE to face, neck and body.

It is thought that DMAE can make epilepsy and bipolar depression worse; thus, it is advised that those with these health problems avoid DMAE.

DMAE can also be over-stimulating for some people, perhaps causing muscle tension or insomnia, so individuals experiencing such difficulties are advised to discontinue use of DMAE.

Take with meals for optimum effect.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Perricone MD Super Anti-oxidant
Perricone MD Skin & Total Body