The best dietary supplements for boosting your metabolism

What does ‘dietary supplements to boost the metabolism’ mean?

Dietary supplements to boost metabolism are products which, when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity, stimulate the metabolism and promote weight loss. 

In most cases, dietary supplements to boost metabolism work by increasing the amount of fat burnt to produce energy. 

It is worth noting that, even under normal conditions, the body uses carbohydrates and fats as a source of energy. Dietary supplements for metabolism and weight loss are designed to support a weight-loss programme that also includes a specific diet and regular physical activity.

There are certain substances, used on their own or in more complex formulations, which are capable of activating thermogenic processes and promoting slimming and weight loss. Among these, the best known and most widely used are:

• Green coffee / caffeine: green coffee is a widely used ingredient in weight-loss dietary supplement formulations. Thanks to its properties, it stimulates the metabolism and limits the absorption of sugars. The caffeine contained in green coffee limits the absorption of sugars and the formation of abdominal fat; the antioxidants and other substances contained in green coffee help to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol, resulting in an overall effect that promotes weight loss.
• Garcinia cambogia: much of this plant’s slimming power is due to the action of the substances found in the rind of its fruit, such as hydroxycitric acid (HCA), carotenoids, vitamins and flavonoids. The action of HCA, in particular, inhibits fat formation whilst also stimulating lipid metabolism, thereby limiting their accumulation in tissues. Much of Garcinia cambogia’s slimming effect is due to the mechanism that promotes the use of sugars as an energy source for fat breakdown. Garcinia helps to reduce stress and lowers levels of cortisol, a hormone whose elevated levels can lead to the accumulation of body fat.
• Green tea: thanks to its content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, green tea helps to boost the metabolism and enables the body to burn fat cells more quickly. Green tea leaves are rich in active compounds, notably caffeine, theanine and catechins: these help the body use fat for energy, boost the metabolism, combat metabolic syndrome and reduce body weight.
• Guarana: mainly known as an energy booster, guarana can help burn fat quickly. Its seeds are rich in caffeine, a stimulant capable of combating physical and mental fatigue and stimulating thermogenesis. Guarana therefore stimulates lipolysis by burning fat deposits and has an energising effect.
• Ginseng: ginseng root has been used since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine as an energising remedy for fatigue, exhaustion and states of weakness. In addition to these adaptogenic properties, it also has immunostimulant and, above all, slimming properties. Ginseng root can help to speed up the metabolism, promoting fat burning, calorie expenditure and the resulting weight loss.  
• L-carnitine: carnitine is an amino acid that aids the transport of fatty acids to cells for energy production. By increasing the amount of fat used at the mitochondrial level for energy production, carnitine promotes fat metabolism and weight loss.

How do dietary supplements work to speed up the metabolism?

Dietary supplements designed to boost metabolism work by increasing metabolic rate and maintaining the body’s energy expenditure at a high level, even at rest. There are several natural substances capable of triggering this metabolic response. They can be selected and used according to your needs and fitness goals.

For example, carnitine, choline and inositol stimulate fat metabolism, meaning they ensure that fatty acids are used more as a source of energy; substances such as cinnamon, chromium and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) stimulate carbohydrate metabolism, meaning they ensure that sugar reserves are utilised more effectively to produce energy.

It is very important to remember that, to be effective, taking these supplements must be combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Supplements designed to boost metabolism work by increasing the basal metabolic rate through the action of stimulating and energising plant extracts, thereby promoting the use of fats and sugars as a source of energy.

Carnipure Liquid Professional

Carnipure Liquid Professional by Tsunami Nutrition: a dietary supplement based on Carnipure® liquid carnitine which supports fat metabolism and energy production. L-carnitine plays an important role in fat metabolism as it promotes the use of fats for energy production at a cellular level. Carnipure Liquid Professional, containing L-carnitine and the patented Carnipure® ingredient, promotes the loss of body fat, increases the amount of fatty acids burnt during physical activity, helps boost metabolism and improves recovery times after training.

Carnipure® is a high-quality carnitine that achieves high levels of purity and has a higher concentration of active ingredient than standard L-carnitine-based dietary supplements available on the market. The main action of Carnipure® is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation. This metabolic mechanism regulates the concentration of fatty acids within the mitochondria, where they are then used to produce energy.

ALA Plus

TN Naturals ALA PLUS is a dietary supplement in capsule form containing alpha-lipoic acid, enriched with fat-soluble vitamin E and coenzyme Q10. Taking alpha-lipoic acid during a weight-loss programme can be very important, given its powerful antioxidant properties, which help regulate blood glucose levels.

Alpha-lipoic acid protects tissues and organs from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, protects muscles from toxins accumulated during intense training, and is an excellent blood glucose stabiliser, with significant effects on improving energy levels and endurance.

As part of a weight-loss programme aimed at reducing body fat, TN Naturals ALA PLUS maximises the utilisation of carbohydrates and increases the availability of sugars that the muscles can convert into energy. The effects of this supplement are enhanced by ingredients such as chromium picolinate, which reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin and significantly strengthens the immune system.

FatBurner Pure

FatBurner Pure by Tsunami Nutrition is a dietary supplement whose formula has been specially designed to burn calories more quickly.

The formulation of this fat-burning supplement comprises choline bitartrate, inositol, methionine, tyrosine, vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and, in particular, the following ingredients: 

• Green tea: green tea leaves contain a phytocomplex comprising substances such as theine, caffeine, gallic acid, theobromine and theophylline. It is precisely these active ingredients that give green tea its slimming properties, by accelerating the basal metabolic rate, and its diuretic properties, which promote the elimination of excess fluids. 
• CARNIPure® carnitine: this L-carnitine formulation has a high concentration of the active ingredient. CARNIPure® is a patent that certifies the quality of this raw material, which stimulates lipolysis, promoting a reduction in body fat and weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take dietary supplements for my metabolism? 

Metabolism-boosting dietary supplements are useful for boosting your metabolism and losing weight. When combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, taking these products can help reduce body fat, build muscle and generally improve muscle tone and body composition. 

What are the side effects of metabolism-boosting dietary supplements? 

Metabolism-boosting dietary supplements may cause certain side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, increased blood pressure and digestive problems. These side effects depend on individual sensitivity to the various ingredients in the products, the dosage, or interactions with other substances being taken.

What are the recommended doses for dietary supplements for metabolism? 

Recommended dosages may vary from one product to another depending on the dosage, ingredients and desired outcome. It is important to follow the instructions on product labels and the advice of your doctor or specialist to avoid any adverse effects.

What are the differences between the various dietary supplements for metabolism?

The main differences between dietary supplements for metabolism relate to the ingredients used in the various formulations and the formats ( powder, tablets, capsules, liquids). The best dietary supplements for boosting basal metabolism are made from plant extracts with stimulating and energising properties. These natural substances work by increasing thermogenesis, which is the metabolic process through which our bodies produce heat.