…is still old. Yet, across the U.S. Ocean, Carnitine as a “health food” is once again making the rounds.

"Let's give it to Mikey...he'll eat anything!"

Carnitine is found in nearly every cell of your being, and assists in oxidizing fatty acids for use in the body. Save very rare exceptions due to medical or genetic conditions, your liver and kidneys produce all the Carnitine you need.

In 1989, The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the National Academy of Sciences reviewed studies on the functions of carnitine used in dietary supplements, and concluded it was not an essential nutrient.

In fact, too much of this stuff taken in supplements may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a “fishy” body odor. More rare side effects include muscle weakness in uremic patients and seizures in those with seizure disorders. Yikes!

“Please sir, can I have another…”

Here's the Skinny

A UK company by the name of “Bio-Synergy” is marketing this stuff as a soft drink; “Skinny Cola,”  with a none too skinny price of about $2.35 a pop. Their helpful FAQ explains:

When should I drink Bio-Synergy Skinny Cola?
Drink Bio-Synergy Skinny Cola whenever you are thirsty. (I think I understand)

and…

Where is Skinny Cola made?
Skinny Cola, is made right here in the UK and therefore has a low carbon footprint. (Huh? I’m sure I don’t get this)

Drink. Responsibly.

Not a moment too soon…

(Somewhere near the bottom of Georgia) – FBI agents raided a rural Georgia peanut butter plant suspected as the source of a nationwide salmonella outbreak.

The Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely, Georgia, was sealed off by federal authorities.

The company is accused of knowingly shipping tainted products now linked to nearly 600 illnesses, including eight deaths, in 43 states. The recent outbreak has led to one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history, encompassing more than 1,000 products.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations launched a probe of the company on January 30 following a probe revealing that company officials and workers have been spreading disease since 2007.

Previously, the Peanut Corporation of America had said said it shipped products only after subsequent tests came back negative for salmonella.

Representatives from the company have not returned repeated calls for comment, likely, in that most, if not all, of the 50 employees have been laid off due to the investigation and problems.