June 1, 2011 | Shedding Fat Supplement Articles Supplement Guides

L-Carnitine has been around for a long time and studies [...]

L-Carnitine has been around for a long time and studies confirming its positive effects on the body date as far back as 1937. It popularity as a weight loss supplement is up there with the best, but not many people actually know where it comes from or what exactly it does.

So what is it?

L-carnititne, similar to the nonessential  amino acid carnitine is synthesised in the body by the amino acids lysine and methionine.  It can be found is food sources such as avocadoes, dairy products and red meats (especially lamb and beef). But its most common source for body building or fat loss is from supplementation.

What does it do?

Again it is very similar to the nonesseatial amino acid in that it metabolises food into energy.  L-carnitine delivers long-chain fatty acids, such as triglycerides into the mitochondria where they are oxidized to produce energy.  The mitochondria is …….. L-carnitine has many uses and benefits but its mainly looked at to burn fat, increase energy, improve resistance to muscle fatigue and assist in building muscle.  It also reduces feeling of hunger giving it an extra advantage with fat loss.

There have been various studies conducted using L-carnitine and apart from confirming it’s fat loss ability they have also been able to reveal that L-carnitine holds strong benefits for the body’s cardiovascular system. Other studies also suggest that  it is useful in increasing the hearts output and improving its functioning.

Do I need it and how do I take it?

If you are a professional body builder or simply somebody looking to improve their physical appearance L-carnitine can do you wonders. Because of its great credibility in the bodybuilding world and the supporting data from research L-carnitine will definitely help you with fat loss, improved energy and assist with muscle growth. But L-carnitine not only benefits those who are training it also has a vital role for those who are deficient in protein or amino acids. Most common are pre-mature infants, vegans, children and breast feeding women who are deficient in these areas.  Muscle fatigue, cramps and pre-mature aging are all signs of possible deficiency.

Generally L-carnitine should be consumed 1 hour before exercise. This is to ensure that it is actively working in the system when your body needs energy, so that it can convert those long-chain fatty acids into energy allowing you to burn fat faster.

L-carnitine has not side effects and is completely safe, it is one of the only amino acids which is said to be considered safe for long term use. This supplement should also be taken with a strict diet and training regime for best possible results.