that chromium may cause chromosomal damage (6), the dosage necessary to cause toxicity
problems is far in excess of what could be reasonably consumed (1).
Vanadyl sulfate
Vanadyl sulfate is a specialized form of the mineral vanadate. Although this seems a
minor distinction, it becomes important when considering the issue of toxicity. While vanadate (a
heavy metal) can be extremely toxic, vanadyl sulfate (the mineral salt) has not shown as great of
toxicity.
Vanadyl has been suggested to work similarly to chromium picolinate, by improving insulin
sensitivity in tissues of the body. It has shown some benefit in the treatment of Type II diabetes
in this regard (7-9).
Because of its effects, vanadyl may have some benefit during carb-ups by keeping insulin
sensitivity high. Additionally, vanadyl appears to improve glycogen storage in muscle tissue.
Vanadyl has also been suggested to help establish ketosis, similar to chromium picolinate.
However, vanadyl appears to keep some people out of ketosis, and this may occur from an effect
on liver glycogen. The use of vanadyl sulfate is not recommended on a ketogenic diet.
Alpha lipoic acid
Alpha lipoic acid is a substance which acts as an anti-oxidant (10) as well as improving
insulin sensitivity and the removal of glucose from the bloodstream (11, 12). Although human
data on the effects of alpha lipoic acid is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that lipoic acid is far
more potent than either chromium or vanadyl. In this respect it is considered one of the best
supplements to use on a carb-up, although it is somewhat expensive. Typical dose for lipoic acid
during carb-ups are 1.2-2 grams total taken in divided doses. Considering the high cost of lipoic
acid, individuals may wish to start with lower doses, and increase only if no noticeable effect is
seen.
Section 2: Supplements to block De Novo Lipogenesis
The second mechanism by which supplements may improve the carb-up is by blocking the
conversion of carbohydrates to fat. This process is called de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and is
discussed in chapter 3 and 12. The only supplement which may have this effect is hydroxycitric
acid.
Hydroxycitric acid
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) has been found, in animal models only, to inhibit the conversion
of excess carbohydrates to fat in the liver, a process called de novo lipogenesis (DNL) (13). The