The present invention relates to improved nutritional compositions. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to nutritional products which help to improve performance and/or fitness of athletes.

Nutritional compositions for consumption during exercise are known and are consumed for a variety of purposes.

Perhaps the most common reasons for consuming nutritional products during exercise are to keep a person hydrated and/or to sustain their energy levels during exercise. For example, it is known that prolonged exercise may deplete the carbohydrate energy stores of the body leading to reduced exercise performance. It is known that ingesting carbohydrate during exercise can replace some of the energy stores used up and may enhance performance. A purpose of a person exercising can be the aim of causing or increasing body fat loss. The oxidation of lipids is important for meeting the body' s excess energy demands during exercise, especially exercise of a low to moderate intensity. Energy expended during this type of exercise may be supplied by oxidation of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) . As NEFAs are a significant fuel source for oxidation by working muscles, the hormonal regulation of this process during periods of excess energy expenditure is crucial for the maintenance of fuel homeostasis, especially during long term bouts of endurance exercise.

It is believed that carnitine has a primary role in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta oxidation by activation of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase enzymatic system (CPT-1) . Thus carnitine-dependent transport must precede oxidation, reaction below shows that carnitine is an obligate optimal mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation: carnitine + acyl-CoA acylcarnitine + CoA

Carnitine's obligatory role in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation suggests carnitine supplementation may increase fatty acid oxidation and may also delay the use of muscle glycogen .

Although research has shown that plasma carnitine pools are lowered during endurance exercise it has become generally accepted that oral carnitine ingestion (up to 6g per day for 14 days) does not change muscle carnitine content in healthy, non-obese subjects (Barnett et al, 1994, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Villani et al, 2000, International Journal of Sport Nutrition) . For carnitine supplementation to be effective it is necessary to raise muscle carnitine levels and it has become generally accepted that carnitine supplementation can increase plasma levels but is in effective as a fat burner/buffer because it does not result in increased muscle levels.

More recent research has shown that muscle carnitine levels could be raised by first infusing insulin and then by concomitant administration of carnitine with huge quantities of glucose. (Stephens et al, 2007, Journal of Physiology and Journal of Applied Physiology) . Although there are potential benefits of carnitine supplementation in this manner its potential as a fat burner is otiose if dependent upon consuming huge amounts of calories in fast acting carbohydrates. There thus remains a desire for nutritional compositions which can assist with body fat loss.

It is an aim of the present invention to address at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art whether discussed herein or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; a carnitine component; and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a lipoic acid component; a sodium compound; a choline component; a green tea component; and a catechin component.

Suitably, the nutritional composition is adapted to be consumed orally. Suitably, the nutritional composition comprises a gel which can be consumed orally.

Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; a carnitine component; a choline component; and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a lipoic acid component; a sodium compound; a green tea component; and a catechin component.

Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; a carnitine component; a lipoic acid component; a sodium compound; a choline component; and a green tea component. Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; carnitine; and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a lipoic acid component; a sodium compound; a choline component; and a green tea component.

Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; carnitine; a lipoic acid component; a sodium compound; a choline component; and a green tea component.

Suitably, the composition comprises alpha lipoic acid as the lipoic acid component. Suitably, the composition comprises sodium chloride and/or sodium citrate as the sodium component. Suitably, the composition comprises choline bitartrate as the choline component. Suitably, the composition comprises green tea extract as the green tea component. Suitably, the green tea component comprises EGCG antioxidant. Suitably, the composition comprises a catechin component. Suitably, the catechin component comprises EGCG antioxidant. The composition may comprise a catechin component derived from a source other than green tea in addition to or in place of a green tea component .

Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; carnitine; and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: alpha lipoic acid; sodium chloride and/or sodium citrate; choline bitartrate; and green tea extract.

Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; carnitine; choline bitartrate; and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: alpha lipoic acid; sodium chloride and/or sodium citrate; and green tea extract. Suitably, there is provided a nutritional composition comprising: carbohydrate; carnitine; alpha lipoic acid; sodium chloride and/or sodium citrate; choline bitartrate; and green tea extract. Surprisingly, the present inventors have found that the combination of one or more components selected from: a lipoic acid component; a sodium compound; a choline component; a green tea component; and a catechin component in a nutritional composition comprising carbohydrate and carnitine may have a synergistic effect on the delivery of carnitine to muscles and/or on the promotion of body fat loss and/or increasing plasma concentrations of NEFA during exercise and/or on the performance and/or fitness of a person consuming the composition.

Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the combination of choline with carnitine may provide a synergistic effect as it may result in decreased carnitine excretion and thus may result in increased muscle carnitine levels.

Preferably the amount of carbohydrate present in the composition is at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight and most preferably at least 20% by weight of the composition. The amount of carbohydrate present in the composition may be at least 25% by weight, for example at least 30% by weight of the composition. Preferably the amount of carbohydrate present in the composition is no more than 50% by weight, more preferably no more than 45% by weight and most preferably no more than 40% by weight of the composition. The amount of carbohydrate present in the composition may for example be no more than 35% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises maltodextrin. Suitably, the composition comprises a carbohydrate component which comprises maltodextrin. Suitably, the composition comprises a carbohydrate component which consists of maltodextrin.

Suitably, a carbohydrate component which comprises or consists of maltodextrin is substantially the sole source of carbohydrate in the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises maltodextrin in an amount of at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight and most preferably at least 20% by weight of the composition. The amount of maltodextrin present in the composition may be at least 25% by weight, for example at least 30% by weight of the composition. Preferably the amount of maltodextrin present in the composition is no more than 50% by weight, more preferably no more than 45% by weight and most preferably no more than 40% by weight of the composition. The amount of maltodextrin present in the composition may for example be no more than 35% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises carnitine or a compound or derivative thereof. Suitably, the composition comprises carnitine, suitably L-carnitine. Suitably, the composition comprises a carnitine component which comprises or consists of carnitine and/or a carnitine compound and/or a carnitine derivative. Suitably, the carnitine component comprises carnitine. The carnitine component may consist of carnitine.

Preferably the amount of carnitine component present in the composition is at least 1.0% by weight, more preferably at least 1.1% by weight and most preferably at least 1.2% by weight of the composition. The amount of carnitine component present in the composition may be at least 1.3% by weight. For example the amount of carnitine component present in the composition may be: at least 1.4%; at least 1.5%; or at least 1.6% by weight of the composition .

Preferably the amount of carnitine component present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of carnitine component present in the composition may for example be no more than 1.7% by weight of the composition .

Preferably the amount of carnitine present in the composition is at least 1.0% by weight, more preferably at least 1.1% by weight and most preferably at least 1.2% by weight of the composition. The amount of carnitine present in the composition may be at least 1.3% by weight. For example the amount of carnitine present in the composition may be: at least 1.4%; at least 1.5%; or at least 1.6% by weight of the composition. Preferably the amount of carnitine present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of carnitine present in the composition may for example be no more than 1.7% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises carnitine in crystalline form. Suitably, the carnitine consists of crystalline carnitine.

Suitably, the composition comprises choline or a compound or derivative thereof. Suitably, the composition comprises choline bitartrate. Suitably, the composition comprises a choline component which comprises or consists of choline and/or a choline compound and/or a choline derivative. Suitably, the choline component comprises choline bitartrate. The choline component may consist of choline bitartrate.

Preferably the amount of choline component present in the composition is at least 1.0% by weight, more preferably at least 1.1% by weight and most preferably at least 1.2% by weight of the composition. The amount of choline component present in the composition may be at least 1.3% by weight. For example the amount of choline component present in the composition may be: at least 1.4% by weight of the composition.

Preferably the amount of choline component present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of choline component present in the composition may for example be no more than: 1.7%; 1.6%; or 1.5% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises choline bitartrate. Suitably, the choline component consists of choline bitartrate . Preferably the amount of choline bitartrate present in the composition is at least 1.0% by weight, more preferably at least 1.1% by weight and most preferably at least 1.2% by weight of the composition. The amount of choline bitartrate present in the composition may be at least 1.3% by weight. For example the amount of choline bitartrate present in the composition may be: at least 1.4% by weight of the composition.

Preferably the amount of choline bitartrate present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of choline bitartrate present in the composition may for example be no more than: 1.7%; 1.6%; or 1.5% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises green tea or an extract or derivative thereof. Suitably, the composition comprises green tea extract. Suitably, the composition comprises a green tea component which comprises or consists of green tea and/or green tea extract and/or a derivative thereof and/or an EGCG antioxidant. Suitably, the composition comprises a green tea extract containing an anti oxidant. Suitably, the composition comprises a green tea extract containing catechin. Suitably, the composition comprises EGCG antioxidants, suitably EGCG antioxidants from green tea extract.

Suitably, the green tea component comprises green tea extract. The green tea component may consist of green tea. The green tea component may comprise antioxidants. The green tea component may comprise EGCG antioxidants.

Preferably the amount of green tea component present in the composition is at least 0.5% by weight, more preferably at least 0.8% by weight and most preferably at least 1.0% by weight of the composition. The amount of green tea component present in the composition may for example be at least 1.1% by weight.

Preferably the amount of green tea component present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of green tea component present in the composition may for example be no more than: 1.7%; 1.6%; 1.5%; 1.4; 1.3; or 1.2% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises green tea extract. Suitably, the green tea component consists of green tea extract . Preferably the amount of green tea extract present in the composition is at least 0.5% by weight, more preferably at least 0.8% by weight and most preferably at least 1.0% by weight of the composition. The amount of green tea extract present in the composition may for example be at least 1.1% by weight.

Preferably the amount of green tea extract present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of green tea extract present in the composition may for example be no more than: 1.7%; 1.6%; 1.5%; 1.4; 1.3; or 1.2% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises a catechin component. Suitably, the catechin component comprises EGCG antioxidant. The catechin component may consist of EGCG antioxidant.

Preferably the amount of catechin component, suitably EGCG antioxidant, present in the composition is at least 0.5% by weight, more preferably at least 0.8% by weight and most preferably at least 1.0% by weight of the composition. The amount of catechin present in the composition may for example be at least 1.1% by weight.

Preferably the amount of catechin component, suitably EGCG antioxidant, present in the composition is no more than 2.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 1.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 1.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of catechin present in the composition may for example be no more than: 1.7%; 1.6%; 1.5%; 1.4; 1.3; or 1.2% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises a sodium compound. The composition may comprise two or more sodium compounds. Suitably, the composition comprises sodium chloride. Suitably, a sodium compound comprises sodium chloride. Suitably, the composition comprises sodium citrate. Suitably, a sodium compound comprises sodium citrate.

Preferably, the composition comprises a sodium compound in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight, more preferably at least 0.1% by weight and most preferably at least 0.15% by weight of the composition. The amount of sodium compound present in the composition may be at least 0.2% by weight.

Preferably, the composition comprises sodium chloride in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight, more preferably at least 0.1% by weight and most preferably at least 0.15% by weight of the composition. The amount of sodium chloride present in the composition may be at least 0.2% by weight.

Preferably, the composition comprises sodium chloride in an amount of no more than 1.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 0.5% by weight and most preferably no more than 0.4% by weight of the composition. The amount of sodium chloride present in the composition may for example be no more than 0.3% by weight of the composition, for example no more than 0.2% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises lipoic acid or a salt, compound or derivative thereof. Suitably, the composition comprises lipoic acid, suitably alpha lipoic acid. Suitably, the composition comprises a lipoic acid component which comprises or consists of lipoic acid and/or a lipoic acid salt and/or a lipoic acid compound and/or a lipoic acid derivative. Suitably, the lipoic acid component comprises alpha lipoic acid. The lipoic acid component may consist of alpha lipoic acid.

Preferably the amount of lipoic acid component present in the composition is at least 0.005% by weight, more preferably at least 0.01% by weight and most preferably at least 0.02% by weight of the composition. The amount of lipoic acid component present in the composition may be at least 0.03% by weight.

Preferably the amount of lipoic acid component present in the composition is no more than 1.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 0.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 0.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of lipoic acid component present in the composition may for example be no more than: 0.7%; 0.6%; 0.5% or 0.4% by weight of the composition.

Preferably the amount of lipoic acid component present in the composition is no more than 0.3% by weight, more preferably no more than 0.2% by weight and most preferably no more than 0.1% by weight of the composition. The amount of lipoic acid component present in the composition may for example be no more than: 0.09%; 0.08%; 0.07%; 0.06%; 0.05%; or 0.04% by weight of the composition.

Suitably, the composition comprises alpha lipoic acid.

Suitably, the lipoic acid component consists of alpha lipoic acid.

Preferably the amount of alpha lipoic acid present in the composition is at least 0.005% by weight, more preferably at least 0.01% by weight and most preferably at least 0.02% by weight of the composition. The amount of alpha lipoic acid present in the composition may be at least 0.03% by weight . Preferably the amount of alpha lipoic acid present in the composition is no more than 1.0% by weight, more preferably no more than 0.9% by weight and most preferably no more than 0.8% by weight of the composition. The amount of alpha lipoic acid present in the composition may for example be no more than: 0.7%; 0.6%; 0.5% or 0.4% by weight of the composition.

Preferably the amount of alpha lipoic acid present in the composition is no more than 0.3% by weight, more preferably no more than 0.2% by weight and most preferably no more than 0.1% by weight of the composition. The amount of alpha lipoic acid present in the composition may for example be no more than: 0.09%; 0.08%; 0.07%; 0.06%; 0.05%; or 0.04% by weight of the composition.

The composition may comprise caffeine. The green tea component may comprise caffeine. The composition may comprise a green tea extract which comprises caffeine as one of its constituents. The composition may comprise less than 1% by weight of caffeine, suitably less than 0.5% by weight, suitably less than 0.1% by weight, suitably less than 0.05% by weight, for example less than 0.01% by weight of caffeine. The composition may be substantially free from caffeine other than that present in a green tea extract.

Carbohydrates suitable for use in the present invention include sugars, starches, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. A mixture of two or more carbohydrates may be used.

Preferred carbohydrates for use in the invention are dextrins . Especially preferred is maltodextin.

The composition may also contain one or more monosaccharides, for example, dextrose. The weight ratio of maltodextrin to carnitine in the composition is preferably from 50:1 to 10:1, for example from 30:1 to 15:1.

The weight ratio of maltodextrin to choline bitartrate in the composition is preferably from 50:1 to 10:1, for example from 30:1 to 15:1.

The weight ratio of maltodextrin to green tea extract in the composition is preferably from 50:1 to 10:1, for example from 30:1 to 15:1.

The weight ratio of maltodextrin to catechin in the composition is preferably from 50:1 to 10:1, for example from 30:1 to 15:1.

The weight ratio of maltodextrin to sodium chloride in the composition is preferably from 500:1 to 40:1, for example from 300:1 to 60:1. The weight ratio of maltodextrin to alpha lipoic acid in the composition is preferably from 5000:1 to 200:1, for example from 3000:1 to 300:1. In some embodiments the composition further comprises one or more vitamins.

Preferably the composition is an aqueous composition and thus further comprises water.

Suitably, the composition comprises water in an amount of at least 40% by weight, suitably at least 50% by weight, for example at least 60% by weight. Suitably, the composition comprises water in an amount of no more than 80% by weight, suitably no more than 70% by weight, for example no more than 65% by weight.

Preferably the composition the present invention is acidic. Preferably it has pH of between 2 and 7, preferably of between 3 and more preferably of between 4 and 5.

Preferably, the composition of the present invention the form of a gel.

The composition may comprise at least 200 gdm ^~ carbohydrate, preferably at least 250 gdrn ^-3 , more preferably at least 300 gdrn ^-3 , for example at least 350 gdrn ^"3 .

The composition may comprise up to 600 gdm ^~ carbohydrate, preferably up to 500 gdrn ^-3 , more preferably up to 450 gdm ^{~ 3} , preferably up to 400 gdrn ^-3 , and most preferably up to 350 gdrn ^"3 . The composition suitably comprises one or more gelling agents. Suitable gelling agents include polysaccharides, for example gellan gum or xanthan gum. Suitably, the composition comprises a gum in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight, suitably at least 0.1% by weight, suitably at least 0.15% by weight, for example at least 0.2% by weight. Suitably, the composition comprises gelan gum in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight, for example at least 0.1% by weight. Suitably, the composition comprises xanthan gum in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight, for example at least 0.1% by weight.

Suitably, the composition comprises a gum in an amount of no more than 1% by weight, for example in an amount of no more than 0.5% by weight. Suitably, the composition includes a sequestrant, for example, citric acid.

Suitably, the composition comprises citric acid in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight.

Preferably the composition is of low osmolality. Suitably the composition has an osmolality of less than 600 mOsmoldm ^-3 , suitably less than 500 mOsmoldm ^-3 , preferably less than 400 mOsmoldm ^-3 , for example less than 300 mOsmoldm ^-3 . Osmolality may be measured using a Wescor Vapour Pressure Osmometer, using standard techniques that are well understood by those skilled in the art. The applicant has found that the combination of ingredients used in preferred embodiments of the composition of the present invention may provide a synergistic improvement in physical performance and/or fitness .

The composition of the present invention may further comprise additional optional excipients. For example the composition may include flavourings, preservatives, colouring agents, sweeteners and acidity regulators.

Suitable sweeteners include artificial sweeteners, for example sucralose.

Suitable acidity regulators include citric acid and/or a salt thereof, for example sodium citrate.

The composition of the present invention may suitably provided in unit dose form. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaged nutritional product comprising a unit dose of the composition of the first aspect . A unit dose refers to a single portion of composition and may, for example, comprise a single serving sachet of a gel composition. It may be beneficial to provide the composition in unit dose form. This may provide quick and easy access to an amount of nutritional composition suitable to improve performance and/or fitness.

Preferably the packaged nutritional product comprises a unit dose in the form of a gel . A unit dose of a gel product preferably comprises at least 10 cm ³ , preferably at least 20 cm ³ , more preferably at least 30 cm ³ , preferably at least 40 cm ³ and most preferably at least 50 cm ³ . A unit dose of a gel composition may comprise up to 300 cm ³ , preferably up to 250 cm ³ , preferably up to 200 cm ³ , more preferably up to 150 cm ³ , preferably up to 100 cm ³ and most preferably up to 75 cm ³ .

A unit dose of the composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 15 to 30g carbohydrate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a composition of the first aspect to improve physical performance and/or fitness.

The composition of the present invention may be consumed by an athlete during physical exercise.

The invention will now be described by way of the following non-limiting example.

Example

A batch of gel composition was prepared by combining the ingredients set out in Table 1.

Total (Excluding water) 152, 777

The composition was prepared by combining the ingredients with mixing.

The gellan gum and sodium citrate were combined with water at ambient temperature and mixed with constant stirring.

The mixture was then heated to a temperature of between 80°C and 90°C. During this step the mixture was stirred continuously . Following this the xanthan gum and maltodextrin were added to the mixture. Heating and stirring of the mixture was continued during this operation. The remaining components were then added steadily over a period of 60 minutes with mixing. Following this mixture was maintained at a temperature of between 80°C to

95°C and stirred constantly. Water was added to the mixture steadily to adjust its volume over a period of 30 minutes.

Finally, the mixture was allowed to cool below 40°C and then separated into 60ml portions. The affect of the composition was tested according to the following method:

Eight healthy male subjects (x ± SD age: 21.7 +_ 1.6y; weight: 79.1 ± 9.8kg; height: 182.9 ± 8cm; Vo2max: 63.7 ± 6.8 mL · kg ^-1 -min ^-1 ) were recruited.

At least 1 week before the first experimental trial, all participants undertook an incremental exercise test (Vo2 max) on a treadmill (h/p Cosmos, Pulsar, Germany) to exhaustion. Participants started running at lOkm/h for 2min and increased their effort by 2km/h every 2 min until they reached exhaustion.

Respiratory gas measurements were made by using the Douglas bag technique. Oxygen consumption (Vo2) and carbon dioxide production were measured using the Servomex 1400 gas analyser (England) . Volume of gas expired was calculated using the Harvard dry gas analyser (United States ). Heart rate was measured continuously by using telemetry and an HR monitor (Polar, Finland) . Vo2 was considered to be maximal when participants could not continue. Vo2max values were used to determine workload (50% and 70%) used in the later experimental trials.

Each participant completed three trials, separated by 1 week. Each trial consisted of 40 min of interval running exercise at 50% and 70% of Vo2 max.

Participants took part in trial 1 following no consumption of the gel composition. They were then instructed to take the gels 3 times per day for the subsequent 7 days. The day following this 7 day period, participants completed the second trial. In the subsequent seven days participants stopped the ingestion of the gel. Participants completed the third trial the day following this period. All participants reported to the laboratory after consuming a standardised diet for the preceding 24hr. On their arrival a pre-exercise finger prick blood sample (0.5mL) was collected in EDTA collecting tubes and stored on ice for later configuration. Participants then affixed a polar heart rate monitor to their chest before beginning the 40 min running protocol (50% Vo2 3min, 70% Vo2 1 min) . Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were collected at 4min intervals (during the 50% Vo2 max intervals) throughout the exercise period. Expiratory breath samples (2min) were collected at 20.45min and 37 min (during the 50% Vo2 max interval) . A post exercise blood sample was taken following the 40 minute running exercise. Both samples were then taken for centrifugation . All tubes were centrifuged at 3640 x g for 12 min at 4 °C. Plasma was removed from the samples using a pipette (Fisherbrand, United States) . Plasma samples were immediately frozen and stored at -80°C (Thermo forma, United States) for later analysis. Plasma NEFA (non- esterified fatty acid) was analysed on a Daytona clinical chemistry analyser (Randox, Ireland) Expiratory breath samples (2min) were collected at 20.45min and 37 min (during the 50% Vo2 max interval) . Respiratory gas measurements were made by using the Douglas bag technique. Using this technique oxygen consumption (Vo2), carbon dioxide production (VCO ₂ ) and Volume of gas expired were measured. From the rate of carbon dioxide production and V02 (L/min) , total fat oxidation rates (g/min) were calculated using the following equation: Fat oxidation = 1.695 V0 ₂ - 1.701 VC0 ₂

The mean total fat oxidation for the three trials was as set out in Table 2. The plasma NEFA levels are shown in Table 3.

Table 2

Trial Total fat oxidation

(g/40min) (mean and standard error)

1 18.35 ± 7.52

2 22.03 ± 7.53

3 15.23 ± 15.53 Table 3

Trial Time Plasma NEFA (mean and

(minutes ) standard error)

1 0 0.42 + <0.0

40 0.55 + 0.1

2 0 0.28 + <0.0

40 0.59 + 0.1

3 0 0.37 + 0.1

40 0.60 + 0.1

As can be seen from Table 2, mean total fat oxidation was highest for the second trial when the period of assessed exercise followed a week of consumption of the gel composition. This indicates that the gel may increase fat burning .

As can be seen from Figure 3 the highest increase of NEFA levels from pre exercise levels to post exercise levels was observed for the second trial when the period of assessed exercise followed a week of consumption of the gel composition. This indicates that the gel may facilitate increased fat burning. The gel composition was also tested by a masters athlete over a 10 day training period during which he cycled for an average of four hours a day consuming the gel three times a day on average. He began at a weight of 73.8Kg and 6.9% fat and after ten days his weight was reduced to 70.8Kg and his fat to 5.5%. That was noted to be more significant than his previous experience with other comparable training periods. It will be appreciated that a composition of a preferred embodiment of the present invention may improve the delivery of carnitine to muscles and/or may promote body fat loss and/or may improve the performance and/or fitness of a person consuming the composition.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment ( s ) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.