Abstract: A composition for influencing carnitine retention in biological tissue is disclosed. The composition comprises a carnitine substance and an agent to increase sodium potassium ATPase pump activity in the tissue, and/or to increase the activity of a carnitine transport protein, and/or increase blood/plasma insulin concentration.

Abstract: A composition for influencing carnitine retention in biological tissue is disclosed. The composition comprises a carnitine substance and an agent to increase sodium potassium ATPase pump activity in the tissue, and/or to increase the activity of a carnitine transport protein, and/or to increase blood/plasma insulin concentration.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and substances for regulating fat and carbohydrate oxidation in the muscle tissue of human and/or animal bodies, which involve controlling the carnitine content of the muscle tissue. Regulating carbohydrate and fat oxidation, and particularly increasing the level of fat oxidation in accordance with the present invention, by providing substances compositions and methodologies in accordance with the present invention, enable medicaments to be manufactured and methodologies employed that find use in the treatment of disorders and conditions of the human and/or animal body caused by impairment of the usual level of fat oxidation, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Agents which inhibit PDH kinase such as dichloroacetic acid, its salts and derivatives are described as being useful in the treatment of ischaemia in limbs. In particular, dichloroacetic acid and its salts are useful in treating intermittent claudification.

Abstract: A method of reducing muscle fatigue during exercise or for treating chronic heart failure, the method comprising increasing the concentration of TCA cycle intermediates in the muscle mitochondria by the administration of pyruvate to the body.

Abstract: Compositions herein increased creatine retention and/or glycogen storage in muscle. A composition comprises creatine or its derivative and a carbohydrate or its derivative. The carbohydrate is in an amount by weight which is greater than the amount of creatine. The amount of carbohydrate and the amount of creatine are effective for increasing creatine retention and/or glycogen storage in muscle. The compositions may be in the form of a pharmaceutical or a dietary supplement and are intended for use in the human or animal body. Other compositions comprise creatine or an active derivative together with insulin or an active derivative. The amount of creatine and the amount of insulin are effective for increasing creatine retention and/or glycogen storage in muscle. The compositions including creatine and insulin may further contain a carbohydrate or its derivative.