By Michelle Schoffro Cook for Care2.com

I am regularly asked which supplements are safe and helpful for weight loss. While I maintain that healthy eating and exercise are essential for weight loss, there are some supplements that can help.

Here are my Top 8 Safe Weight Loss Supplements:

1.  A high-quality full-spectrum digestive enzyme formula that includes amylase, lipase, and protease, among other enzymes, is also beneficial. Take 1 to 3 enzyme capsules or tablets with every meal to help your body break down the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in your food into the natural sugars, essential fatty acids, and amino acids needed for optimal digestion and healing.

2. Other enzymes that aid weight loss include: lipase, nattokinase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), or a single product that includes some or all of these enzymes. Start with 1 capsule or tablet of your chosen enzyme(s) on an empty stomach 20 minutes before or at least 1 hour after meals, three times daily. You can gradually increase that amount to 3 capsules or tablets at a time, three times daily, or more with the guidance of a nutritional medicine practitioner who is experienced in systemic enzyme therapy.
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L-carnitine is a popular fitness supplement, but is it right for you? L-carnitine is mainly found in avocados, dairy products, and red meats (lamb and beef). It is also naturally made in the body from amino acids and used to increase the use of fat as an energy source by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria (located in the cytoplasm outside the nucleus of the cell), where they are burned to release energy for body functions.

L-carnitine supplementation should not be used by those who are allergic to any food protein (egg, milk, or wheat), risk of poor nutrition, pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, or other health risks or problems. First off, you should contact your physician about taking any supplements. If you do decide to use the L-carnitine supplement, it is recommended to take the supplement with a full glass of water or other liquid and with a meal or immediately after a meal. I strongly recommend researching this supplement as well as any other supplements before usage. Below are lists of the benefits and side-effects of L-carnitine. 
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