L-Carnitine is found naturally in the human body and is responsible for converting fat stores into energy to be used by muscles. Increasing your levels of L-Carnitine can result in improved athletic performance and physique by reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass.
L-Carnitine can also be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments for people suffering from a wide range of conditions such as heart disease or other cardiovascular problems, as well as kidney disease, overactive thyroid, and fertility problems in males.
L-Carnitine is a type of amino acid produced naturally in the body by the liver and kidneys. It is found in high concentration in red meat, and at lower levels in dairy products, cod fish and numerous vegetables.
For those who cannot produce enough L-Carnitine or have difficulty consuming enough to meet their requirements, supplements may be useful in preventing a L-Carnitine deficiency. For athletes and people who go to the gym, L-Carnitine can help increase energy levels and muscle development, as well as promote fat loss.
L-Carnitine increases energy and stamina levels by encouraging the body to burn fat as fuel, saving the glycogen stores in the liver until they are absolutely necessary to use.
Taking L-Carnitine supplements gives the muscles additional energy they would otherwise not have access to. This results in increased stamina and endurance in aerobic activities. Other positive effects are a reduction in muscle fatigue and a decrease in recovery time, all of which will help you feel more energised during the day.
In addition to the physical effects, L-Carnitine benefits mental alertness and concentration. Studies have shown that L-Carnitine can also help prevent age related cognitive impairment.
L-Carnitine can speed up weight loss and help your body burn fat quickly by transporting energy from fat stores to be consumed by your muscles.
If the L-Carnitine levels are increased, the speed and efficiency of which the body burns fat, is increased. Also, stamina and endurance levels go up, meaning you have the energy to burn more calories and undertake longer, tougher workouts on a more regular basis.
L-Carnitine can also help reduce levels of dangerous, visceral fat stored around the belly. This results in lower levels of cholesterol and decreases the risk of developing atherosclerosis (calcified arteries).
In addition to conventional treatments for heart conditions, L-Carnitine can be a useful supplement for a range of cardiovascular health issues. L-Carnitine benefits those suffering from angina and can help reduce chest pain during exercise.
Studies have also shown that the intake of L-Carnitine supplements shortly after a heart attack can reduce the risk of another one occurring. L-Carnitine assists in reducing cholesterol levels and can help protect against the development of heart disease.
L-Carnitine can also be used as a treatment for other conditions of the heart and blood vessels such as circulation problems, congestive heart failure, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and complications from diphtheria.
Taking a supplement of L-Carnitine reduces muscle fatigue and soreness associated with undergoing a strenuous exercise or gym routine. This results in a shorter recovery time between workouts and can help you achieve strength and fitness goals much more quickly.
Studies have shown that a L-Carnitine dosage of 1000 mg per day is effective in improving levels of muscle stress markers hypoxanthine, xanthine oxidase, myoglobin, and general inflammation and soreness levels in response to strength training.
As it occurs naturally in the body L-Carnitine side effects are unlikely. However there is a risk that L-Carnitine may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach upsets if taking in doses over 5g per day.
L-Carnitine interacts with prescription drugs used for the treatment of thyroid and kidney conditions. L-Carnitine should not be taken with the thyroid hormone replacement drug Thyroxine. L-Carnitine also interacts with blood thinning medications.
L-Carnitine dosage depends of the condition it is being used to treat. It is generally taken in the form of L-Carnitine capsules or L-Carnitine tablets.
Other names for L-Carnitine include L-Carnitine, L-Carnitina, L-Carnitine Fumarate, L-Tartrate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, LevoL-Carnitine Fumurate, L-Carnitine, Carnitor, D-L-Carnitine, DL-Carnitine, DL-Carnitine, trimethylammonium hydroxide, Vitacarn, and Vitamin B.
L-carnitine, or carnitine, is made from amino acids and is present in almost all cells of the body. Its name is derived from the Latin term 'Carnus' (meaning meat) because the compound was first isolated from meat.
Carnitine is the main term for several compounds, including L-carnitine tartrate, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine.