L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine – a vitamin-like substance and transport carrier for fat cells

What is L-Carnitine?

L-carnitine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in our bodies and is produced from the amino acids lysine and methionine. However, this endogenous production depends on the presence of vitamins C and B6, iron, and niacin. It is also partially absorbed through food (especially meat). L-carnitine participates in fat burning and energy production by helping to transport fat cells from the mitochondria for energy production.

L-Carnitine Effect

L-carnitine plays a key role in our body and is located primarily in the mitochondria. The function of L-carnitine can be divided into several areas:

• Increase fat burning
• Energy generation
• Support detoxification
• Faster regeneration after physical activity

Does L-carnitine help with weight loss?

If there is an L-carnitine deficiency, optimal energy metabolism cannot take place, and greater fat accumulation occurs. Supplemental L-carnitine intake will have a positive effect on fat burning in cases of L-carnitine deficiency. However, L-carnitine only achieves its targeted effect in conjunction with physical activity and can help actively burn fat.

Does L-carnitine increase performance?

Endurance athletes, in particular, often take L-carnitine as a dietary supplement because studies have shown that taking it increases performance. L-carnitine is therefore considered a powerful performance enhancer and fat burner in sports. L-carnitine is responsible for energy production from fatty acids and, with appropriate dosage and intake, can not only increase energy but also support fat metabolism.

Is L-carnitine useful as a dietary supplement?

L-carnitine is scientifically known for its numerous positive effects on the body, and supplementation can be beneficial for physiological reasons, especially in cases of L-carnitine deficiency or undersupply. In addition to stimulating fat metabolism, L-carnitine also has the ability to normalize menstrual cycles and increase physical and mental performance. It shortens recovery times and strengthens the immune system.

L-carnitine has a particularly special effect on women, as the amino acid L-carnitine L-tartrate, for example, has been studied as a menstrual kickstarter. Many women who have lost their periods or who experience irregular periods due to malnutrition, crash diets, or significant weight loss can "restart" their missed periods with L-carnitine supplementation. This takes a few weeks.

L-carnitine deficiency

There are several types of carnitine deficiency, which can manifest in different ways and have different origins. Symptoms arise, among other things, from the inability to utilize long-chain fatty acids in L-carnitine deficiency. This can lead to difficulty concentrating, exhaustion, reduced performance, and increased susceptibility to infection.

• Carnitine deficiency due to nutrient deficiencies - this can be the case in vegetarians and vegans, as they absorb very little vitamin B6 or vitamin B12, which is necessary for the synthesis of L-carnitine.
• Carnitine deficiency due to higher levels of stress - high levels of stress can increase the consumption of L-carnitine because more fat reserves have to be mobilized and metabolized, especially fatty acids.
• Carnitine deficiency due to disease-related causes - the intestine and liver are involved in the production and conversion of L-carnitine, which is why organ stress can lead to an L-carnitine deficiency.

What are the most effective forms of L-carnitine?

• L-Carnitine L-Tartrate – Due to its rapid absorption, this is one of the most commonly used forms in sports supplements. It can help relieve exercise-related discomfort, such as muscle soreness, and promote muscle recovery.
• Propionyl L Carnitine - a high-quality form that is mainly used for blood pressure and medical applications.
• Acetyl L-carnitine, also known as ALCAR, is possibly the most effective compound for the brain. Because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, this compound has been shown to improve brain function and help with neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Acetyl L-carnitine is easily absorbed by the body and has proven particularly beneficial for brain function.
• D-carnitine - an inactive form that should not be taken as it can inhibit the absorption of L-carnitine.

Does L-carnitine have side effects?

L-carnitine is available over the counter as a dietary supplement and has no side effects, even when taken at the recommended dosage. L-carnitine is free of side effects.

Taking L-Carnitine

It can be taken either in powder or in capsules.