Lipo-C (MIC + L-Carnitine) Injectable
Lipo-C is a compounded lipotropic injection combining Methionine, Inositol, and Choline (MIC) with L-Carnitine. Together these compounds support hepatic fat export, mitochondrial fatty-acid transport, and phospholipid synthesis. Used as an adjunct in medically supervised weight management programs.
⚡ QUICKSTART HIGHLIGHTS
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Typical Composition per mL
| Component | Typical per mL | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Methionine | 25 mg | Essential lipotropic; SAM precursor; hepatic fat export |
| Inositol | 50 mg | Phospholipid component; insulin signaling; fat metabolism |
| Choline | 50 mg | Phosphatidylcholine precursor; VLDL assembly; liver fat transport |
| L-Carnitine | 250–500 mg | Mitochondrial fatty-acid transporter; β-oxidation |
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1 mL | 2–3× weekly | IM or Sub-Q | Upper outer gluteus or thigh |
| Higher dose | 2 mL | 2–3× weekly | IM | Split across two sites if needed |
Administration
- Allow vial to reach room temperature.
- Swab injection site with alcohol; let dry completely.
- IM: 23–25 gauge, 1–1.5 inch needle into upper outer gluteus or vastus lateralis.
- Sub-Q: 27–30 gauge, 0.5–1 inch needle into thigh or abdomen fat.
- Inject slowly over 20–30 seconds. Dispose needle in sharps container.
How This Works
Lipo-C combines four lipotropic compounds with complementary mechanisms. Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that donates methyl groups via S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) for phosphatidylcholine synthesis — required for hepatic VLDL assembly and fat export from the liver. Without adequate methionine/choline, fat accumulates in the liver (fatty liver).
Inositol (myo-inositol) is a carbocyclic polyol that functions as a phospholipid backbone component and second-messenger precursor in insulin signaling pathways. Choline is an essential nutrient (not synthesized in adequate amounts endogenously) required for phosphatidylcholine and acetylcholine synthesis. L-Carnitine is the critical shuttle transporting long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for β-oxidation — without it, fat cannot enter the mitochondria to be burned.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Supports hepatic fat export via phosphatidylcholine/VLDL pathway — relevant for fatty liver research.
- L-Carnitine enhances mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation — improves fat utilization.
- Inositol supports insulin sensitivity and metabolic signaling.
- Choline supports neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) synthesis.
- Injection bypasses TMAO-producing gut metabolism of oral carnitine.
- Commonly combined with B12 and caloric restriction in supervised weight programs.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated — nutritional components at physiological doses.
- Injection-site soreness, bruising, or mild swelling — most common adverse effect.
- Mild GI upset (unusual at IM/sub-Q doses).
- Fishy odor with high carnitine doses (TMAO production — less with injectable vs oral).
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | N/A — pre-mixed liquid |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C, protect from light | Use within 30 days of compounding |