Lipotropic injections (MIC shots)

What it means

"Lipotropic" describes substances thought to help the liver process fat. MIC stands for methionine, an amino acid; inositol, a sugar-like compound; and choline, a nutrient. Clinics often add vitamin B12 or other ingredients.

These shots are typically compounded and sold in wellness or weight-loss clinics. They are not FDA-approved products, and there are no good-quality trials showing they cause weight loss or burn fat in people.

The individual nutrients have real roles in the body, and severe choline deficiency can affect the liver. That does not mean injecting extra amounts helps people who are not deficient.

Any results reported with MIC shots usually come alongside diet changes or prescription medicines, which makes it hard to credit the shot. Ask what each ingredient is for and what evidence the clinic can show.

Why it matters

MIC shots are a common add-on cost in weight-loss programs with little proof behind them.