L-Carnitine is an amino acid needed for fat burning, energy production and muscle recovery. It is synthesized by the body from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine, and can also be obtained from red meat. The main dietary sources of L-carnitine are meat, fish and some other animal products, such as milk. For your body to produce L-Carnitine sufficient amounts, you also need plenty of vitamin C.
How it helps burn fat?
L-Carnitine is primarily used as a weight loss aid, to increase energy or to enhance muscular recovery after a workout.
L-Carnitine plays a central role in the metabolic breakdown of certain fatty acids and their subsequent transport into the mitochondria, the power plants inside cells, for use in the production of energy.
Other benefits:
- L-carnitine is essential to maintaining a healthy metabolism, which in turn is critical for reducing the risk of many age and lifestyle-associated disorders
- Human studies indicate that taking L-carnitine daily helps reverse the decline in brain function associated with Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases.
- L-carnitine is also linked to improvements in patients with severe heart disorders, such as coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure.
- Research suggests that L-carnitine may aid exercise performance
Dosage:
The standard dose of L-carnitine is 500–2,000 mg per day. Doses up to 2 grams or less per day seem to be well tolerated and safe for most people in the long term.
Final word:
While L-Carnitine may aid in weight loss, a thorough diet and exercise regimen must be in place first. Specific populations may benefit from L-carnitine supplements. This includes older adults and people who rarely or never eat meat and fish.