Vitamin B₅ and L-Carnitine

It has been suggested that Vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid) can cause weight loss. However, there are no studies with humans that support this theory. It is reported to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol.

Vitamin B₅ is essential to many of your body's natural processes. So, there are not many side effects. A listed possible adverse reaction is eosinophilic pleural effusion.

L-carnitine is made by the body and plays a role in fat and protein metabolism. It may enhance energy production and the heart's function. (If you have a heart condition, you should discuss this with your doctor.) L-carnitine may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Like Vitamin B₅, there are no studies that show it helps with weight loss.

L-carnitine has had no sever toxicity reported. Occasional mild gastrointestinal symptoms have been noted. L-carnitine is sometimes used as a supplement for low birth weight babies and D-carnitine should be avoid so as not to have a deficiency in L-carnitine. This should be discussed with your pediatrician. It should also be avoided in people with liver disease.

It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.