Complete Diet Aid

Stack

$58.00

The Complete Diet Aid is a combination of supplements used to lose body fat while retaining lean mass. This stack has become very popular over the last year, and many users report exceptional results. Each ingredient serves a purpose, and many of them are synergistic. In addition to the effect on body composition, this stack offers many other possible benefits, such as improved mood, concentration, and general health. This article will briefly outline the benefits of each ingredient, as well as their combinations.

Acetyl-L-carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is the acetylated version of the amino acid L-carnitine, and is similar in effect, although many believe it to be superior.

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant and glucose disposal agent. As an antioxidant, ALA may protect against possible pro-oxidant properties of CLA and ALCAR [20-21]. ALA is also synergistic with ALCAR in improving cognitive function [11]. In combating exercise-induced oxidative stress, ALA has been shown to be a superior antioxidant.

Conjugated linoleic acid

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a unique omega-6 fatty acid (or rather, group of fatty acids) and weight loss aid. CLA interacts with a variety of enzymes which in turn increase lipolysis and downregulate lipogenesis [26-27].

Biotin

Biotin serves multiple purposes in this stack. Because it is structurally similar, ALA may reduce biotin stores [33], so supplemental biotin is included to protect against this.

Green tea

Green tea, the final ingredient in the stack, offers a multitude of benefits. Studies indicate that green tea leads to a significant increase in energy expenditure and weight loss in humans, and this effect is much larger than that which can be attributed to the caffeine alone [36-37].

Suggested dosage and use

Acetyl-L-carnitine: 1-2 capsules 2-3 times daily (1-3 g daily)
Biotin: 1 capsule daily at any time (5 mg daily)
CLA: 1-4 softgels 2 times daily with meals (2-8 g daily)
Green tea extract: 3-6 capsules or more daily (1200+ mg daily)
R-ALA: 1-3 capsules before and after each workout (200-600 mg daily)

For more in-depth information on the ingredients, see these articles:

If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, please email dvdtlsn@bulknutrition.com.

References

1. Iossa S, Mollica MP, Lionetti L, Crescenzo R, Botta M, Barletta A, Liverini G. Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation differently influences nutrient partitioning, serum leptin concentration and skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration in young and old rats. J Nutr 2002 Apr;132(4):636-42

2. Hongu N, Sachan DS. Carnitine and choline supplementation with exercise alter carnitine profiles, biochemical markers of fat metabolism and serum leptin concentration in healthy women. J Nutr 2003 Jan;133(1):84-9

3. Iyer RN, Khan AA, Gupta A, Vajifdar BU, Lokhandwala YY. L-carnitine moderately improves the exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina. J Assoc Physicians India 2000 Nov;48(11):1050-2 [abstract]

4. Loster H, Miehe K, Punzel M, Stiller O, Pankau H, Schauer J. Prolonged oral L-carnitine substitution increases bicycle ergometer performance in patients with severe, ischemically induced cardiac insufficiency. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1999 Nov;13(6):537-46 [abstract]

5. Sloan RS, Kastan B, Rice SI, Sallee CW, Yuenger NJ, Smith B, Ward RA, Brier ME, Golper TA. Quality of life during and between hemodialysis treatments: role of L-carnitine supplementation. Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Aug;32(2):265-72 [abstract]

6. Feinfeld DA, Kurian P, Cheng JT, Dilimetin G, Arriola MR, Ward L, Manis T, Carvounis CP. Effect of oral L-carnitine on serum myoglobin in hemodialysis patients. Ren Fail 1996 Jan;18(1):91-6 [abstract]

7. Watanabe S, Ajisaka R, Masuoka T, Yamanouchi T, Saitou T, Toyama M, Takeyasu N, Sakamoto K, Sugishita Y. Effects of L- and DL-carnitine on patients with impaired exercise tolerance. Jpn Heart J 1995 May;36(3):319-31 [abstract]

8. Volek JS, Kraemer WJ, Rubin MR, Gomez AL, Ratamess NA, Gaynor P. L-Carnitine L-tartrate supplementation favorably affects markers of recovery from exercise stress. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2002 Feb;282(2):E474-82

11. Liu J, Head E, Gharib AM, Yuan W, Ingersoll RT, Hagen TM, Cotman CW, Ames BN. Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: partial reversal by feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-alpha -lipoic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002 Feb 19;99(4):2356-61

12. Yasui F, Matsugo S, Ishibashi M, Kajita T, Ezashi Y, Oomura Y, Kojo S, Sasaki K. Effects of chronic acetyl-L-carnitine treatment on brain lipid hydroperoxide level and passive avoidance learning in senescence-accelerated mice. Neurosci Lett 2002 Dec 16;334(3):177-80 [abstract]

13. Liu J, Atamna H, Kuratsune H, Ames BN. Delaying brain mitochondrial decay and aging with mitochondrial antioxidants and metabolites. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002 Apr;959:133-66

14. De Angelis C, Scarfo C, Falcinelli M, Perna E, Reda E, Ramacci MT, Angelucci L. Acetyl-L-carnitine prevents age-dependent structural alterations in rat peripheral nerves and promotes regeneration following sciatic nerve injury in young and senescent rats. Exp Neurol 1994 Jul;128(1):103-14

15. Bertoni-Freddari C, Fattoretti P, Caselli U, Paoloni R. Acetylcarnitine modulation of the morphology of rat hippocampal synapses. Anal Quant Cytol Histol 1996 Aug;18(4):275-8 [abstract]

16. Rizos I. Three-year survival of patients with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and L-carnitine administration. Am Heart J 2000 Feb;139(2 Pt 3):S120-3

17. Singh RB, Niaz MA, Agarwal P, Beegum R, Rastogi SS, Sachan DS. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine in suspected acute myocardial infarction. Postgrad Med J 1996 Jan;72(843):45-50 [abstract]

18. Ghidini O, Azzurro M, Vita G, Sartori G. Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of L-carnitine in congestive heart failure. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1988 Apr;26(4):217-20 [abstract]

19. Mondillo S, Faglia S, D'Aprile N, Mangiacotti L, Campolo MA, Agricola E, Palazzuoli V. [Therapy of arrhythmia induced by myocardial ischemia. Association of L-carnitine, propafenone and mexiletine]. Clin Ter 1995 Dec;146(12):769-74 [abstract]

20. Hagen TM, Ingersoll RT, Wehr CM, Lykkesfeldt J, Vinarsky V, Bartholomew JC, Song MH, Ames BN. Acetyl-L-carnitine fed to old rats partially restores mitochondrial function and ambulatory activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 Aug 4; 95(16): 9562-6.

21. Basu S, Riserus U, Turpeinen A, Vessby B. Conjugated linoleic acid induces lipid peroxidation in men with abdominal obesity. Clin Sci (Lond). 2000 Dec;99(6):511-6.

22. Sen CK, Packer L. Thiol homeostasis and supplements in physical exercise. Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Aug;72(2 Suppl):653S-69S

23. Khanna S, Atalay M, Laaksonen DE, Gul M, Roy S, Sen CK. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation: tissue glutathione homeostasis at rest and after exercise. J Appl Physiol 1999 Apr;86(4):1191-6

25. Baydas G, Yilmaz O, Celik S, Yasar A, Gursu MF. Effects of certain micronutrients and melatonin on plasma lipid, lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine levels in rats. Arch Med Res 2002 Nov-Dec;33(6):515-9 [abstract]

27. Belury MA. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid in health: physiological effects and mechanisms of action. Annu Rev Nutr. 2002;22:505-31. Epub 2002 Apr 04.

28. Kelly GS. Conjugated linoleic acid: a review. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Aug;6(4):367-82.

30. Transplantation. 2003 Dec 27; 76(12): 1681-6. L-carnitine ameliorates abnormal vulnerability of steatotic rat livers to cold ischemic preservation. Tolba RH, Putz U, Decker D, Dombrowski F, Lauschke H.

31. Mingrone G, Greco AV, Capristo E, Benedetti G, Giancaterini A, De Gaetano A, Gasbarrini G. L-carnitine improves glucose disposal in type 2 diabetic patients. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999 Feb; 18(1): 77-82.

32. Waltner-Law ME, Wang XL, Law BK, Hall RK, Nawano M, Granner DK. Epigallocatechin gallate, a constituent of green tea, represses hepatic glucose production. J Biol Chem. 2002 Sep 20; 277(38): 34933-40. Epub 2002 Jul 12.

33. Zempleni J, Trusty TA, Mock DM. Lipoic acid reduces the activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases in rat liver. J Nutr. 1997 Sep;127(9):1776-81.

34. Bender DA. Optimum nutrition: thiamin, biotin and pantothenate. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 May;58(2):427-33.

35. Aust J Biol Sci. 1976 Dec; 29(5-6): 419-28. Fatty liver and kidney syndrome in chicks. I. Effect of biotin in diet. Pearson JA, Johnson AR, Hood RL, Fogerty AC.

37. Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, Girardier L, Mensi N, Fathi M, Chantre P, Vandermander J. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Dec;70(6):1040-5

38. Dulloo AG, Seydoux J, Girardier L, Chantre P, Vandermander J. Green tea and thermogenesis: interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine and sympathetic activity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2000 Feb;24(2):252-8 [abstract]

39. Nakachi K, Eguchi H, Imai K. Can teatime increase one's lifetime? Ageing Res Rev. 2003 Jan;2(1):1-10

40. Lee SR, Im KJ, Suh SI, Jung JG. Protective effect of green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and other antioxidants on lipid peroxidation in gerbil brain homogenates. Phytother Res. 2003 Mar;17(3):206-9

41. Sung H, Nah J, Chun S, Park H, Yang SE, Min WK. In vivo antioxidant effect of green tea. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jul;54(7):527-9 [abstract]