3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone is a popular and new addition to many diet formulations because it helps burn more calories. It does this by encouraging the basal metabolism rate to climb so that more calories are burned both at rest and while working. It also works to keep fat from being stored. Of the class of DHEA steroid like compounds, this is the only one with little or no side effects and has been tested as a metabolism enhancer in human, double blind studies successfully adding credence to any claims made. It has been tested in various doses in both human and animal studies and the clinical trials done on humans found it tested safe at 200mg a day.

5-HTP is an amino acid which occurs naturally. It is sold in many countries including the United States not only as a diet supplement but also as an appetite suppressant, antidepressant and to abet sleep. 5 –HPT affects the serotonin synthesis present in the central nervous system and causes psychoactiveness. 5 – HPT is believed to increase the production of neurons in the serotonin; this in turn increases serotonin release and causes mood imrpovement. When administered along with decarboxylase inhibitor like carbidopa it increases the level of plasma. Nevertheless, several studies have come up with contradictory reports. While some has come up with theories about its effectiveness even in the absence of decarboxylase inhibitor, others indicate that 5 – HPT when combined with carbidopa could cause conditions similar to scleroderma.

Acetyl L-Carnitine is a form of L-carnitine, only acetylated. It is a very popular dietary supplement derived from amino acids, methionine and lysine. L-carnitine helps fatty acids to cross the membrane of the mitochondria and become available for usage. ALCAR, which is an alternate name for acetyl L-carnitine, is currently under research for possible treatment of Parkinson’s disease and cerebral ischemia. Neuroprotective benefits have been already attributed to ALCAR, but also assistance in cases of Peyronie’s disease, strokes and in treatment of depression. In food it is very much present in Beef and other red meats, in smaller quantities in mushrooms and carrots. Scientific studies have verified that regular supplements of L-carnitine improve the energy metabolism and can promote the neurotransmitter functions in brains of elderly people.

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is nonessential. It is synthesized from the body from phenylalanine which is also an amino acid. L-Tyrosine has the power to have an effect on the neurotransmitters and this affects various health conditions including depression, mood disorders and Parkinson’s disease. Many such studies have proved that L-Tyrosine helps people having depression. It acts as a precursor and eases the effects of psychosocial, environmental and physical stress. L-Tyrosine turns into melanin by the skin cells and the dark pigment prevents the ultraviolet light from affecting. The thyroid hormones playing a significant role in the process of the body also contain tyrosine. L-Tyrosine is commonly found in all the dairy products, fish, oats, wheat, meat and also in all other protein containing foods. This is also found to be beneficial for people trying to withdraw alcohol. L-Tyrosine has not exhibited severe side effects, yet taking it should be recommended by doctors.