Carnitine is a vitamin-like substance produced from amino acids within your body, and it plays a critical role in the production of energy. It can also be considered an amino acid, because it is a dipeptide made from essential amino acids methionine and lysine. The name is derived from the latin root “carnus” which is translated to “flesh.”It can be found in some meats and dairy products, and in every cell of the human body!
Two forms of Carnitine exist: L-Carnitine and D-Carnitine. The “D” form is not biologically active. This means that it can not be absorbed and used by the human body. L-Carnitine is the supplemental version of carnitine, because it is the naturally occurring form and the most easily absorbed within the body when consumed as a supplement. L-Carnitine is biologically active. There are different types of Carnitine pills that provide the same carnitine benefits; with Acetyl-L-Carnitine being the most effective form.
Adults that eat omnivorous diets will consume from 60 to 180 mg of Carnitine from their diet, but vegetarians and vegans consume only about 10 to 12 mg from certain plant based sources such as asparagus. Your body also produces Carnitine. It is produced in the kidneys and the liver, and stored in the heart, brain, skeletal muscles, and sperm. Its biological function is to transport fatty-acids, particularly long-chain fatty acids, into the mitochondria which is where they are oxidized in order to produce energy for the body.
What Are Carnitine Supplements?
Carnitine supplements can be beneficial for vegans, and strict dieters. Carnitine supplements have been studied since 1937, and can be found in capsules, liquid, tablets, and quick-release gel capsules. There are three different common types of carnitine used as supplements. This includes:
* L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate – this type of carnitine supplement is relatively cheaper and gets into the bloodstream more quickly. It does not absorb in the body any better than the other forms, but it is faster.
* Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine – This form has a unique ability to relax your arteries and enhance muscle pump. It increases your body’s levels of nitrates which elevates the nitric oxide levels in the body. This form also contains the antioxidant glycine.
* Acetyl L-Carnitine – this form is the most easily absorbed by the body. It is carnitine with an acetyl group attached to the molecule. The acetyl group enhances its ability to transport across the blood-brain barrier, where it acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Benefits of L-Carnitine
Overall, carnitine revitalizes your cells and helps your body function efficiently. When you age, the levels of carnitine within your body decrease, and mitochondrial function is reduced. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, and when the mitochondrial function of our cells is reduced, we start to age; like we are slowly losing power.
Who May Benefit From L-Carnitine?
Because they offer so many notable benefits, powerful carnitine supplements can benefit a wide range of people. However, the following groups of people will likely experience the most significant benefits:
* Athletes – Athletes can benefit from carnitine supplements due to their ability to burn fat and help the body build muscle. Carnitine can also reduce fatigue and depress appetite. It is an impressive supplement for hardgainers, which are those in the athletic community who have a harder time building muscle. It increases the strength of the muscles as well. It can reduce fat gains from your workouts and promote a cleaner bulk, as well as assist in cutting fat to lean out your physique. A study revealed that carnitine can improve performance as well by reducing the amount of glycogen stores that the body uses for energy and replacing it with fat stores, which conserves muscle energy and burns fat. This supplement reduces fat, builds muscle, and increases energy – a perfect combination for athletes!
* Vegans and Vegetarians – Vegans and vegetarians are much more likely to have a carnitine deficiency because their diets lack many of the primary carnitine sources. Your body also creates carnitine but getting enough carnitine in your diet can help you stay healthy and lengthen your life. It can especially help those who are changing their diet to become vegetarian or vegan retain their energy levels throughout the shift.
* Dieters – Carnitine is a helpful weight loss tool because it helps convert fat into energy! Those who are dieting to cut down on their extra pounds can supplement their diet with carnitine to enhance their weight loss.
How to Take L-Carnitine
For the benefits of carnitine supplementation to be realized, it has to be taken with food. Carnitine is the most active when insulin levels are higher. Doses of 1-3 g are effective. When taking carnitine supplements, recommended nutritional intakes include:
* 30 to 40 g of carbs
* 20 to 40g of protein
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is more easily absorbed within the body and does not need to be consumed with food to maximize its benefits. This form of Carnitine can be taken between meals.
Are There Any Side Effects?
L-Carnitine has little to no side effects! If you are consuming it in really high doses, which would be about 5 g or more per day, then it could possibly give you diarrhea. Carnitine does interact with certain conditions though. People with these conditions should consult a doctor before supplementing with Carnitine:
* Cirrhosis
* High blood pressure
* A history of seizures
* Type I diabetes
* Peripheral vascular disease
There are some extremely rare side effects that have been reported. These include:
* Body odor
* Increased appetite
* Rash
What to Look for in a Good Carnitine Supplement
There are some key components that separate mediocre carnitine supplements from the best carnitine supplements.
* A quality form of carnitine – Acetyl-L-Carnitine is the pricier and more effective form of L-Carnitine on the supplement market. It is a molecule of carnitine with an attached acetyl group, which enhances the supplement’s ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier and become active in the brain. There, it acts as an extremely powerful antioxidant. Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine is also a good choice. L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate is of the lowest value, but still provides the benefits of carnitine.
* An effective dose of Carnitine – Pay attention to the supplements directions as well, because some may have less than the effective dose per serving, but direct you to take multiple doses a day which equate to the effective carnitine dosage range.
* A reliable company – Make sure that when you are searching for a supplement that you know who the manufacturer is. Supplements that are not produced by a reliable company may not be as effective. Companies that can be trusted may openly state that they are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified, that they are government inspected facilities, list their other certifications, or have a long-standing reputation.