Losing weight is often difficult and when you do, it is due in part to L-Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine. Both nutrients play a role in fat reduction. L-Carnitine is a nutrient that helps burn fat by transporting fatty acids to energy cell centers known as mitochondria. Fat is used as energy because carnitine acts as a vehicle to drive fat where it needs to go for utilization. Think of L-Carnitine as a car and fat as the passenger. Acetyl-l-carnitine functions identically, but expresses increased ability due to additional properties. If these substances were people, L-Carnitine would be Clark Kent and acetyl-l-carnitine would be Superman. He is the same person, but stronger.
Donation
The acetyl group of molecules are helpers. They can transfer to other groups of molecules, increasing their function. The acetyl group of molecules attached to acetyl-l-carnitine can transfer to other acetyl accepting molecules. This process is called donation. Acetyl-l-carnitine can donate acetyl molecules to choline. Choline is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for nerve function. When acetyl donation occurs, it becomes acetylcholine and demonstrates increased functionality. Acetylcholine becomes active in more body functions than it would without the donated acetyl molecules.
Carbohydrate metabilism
Acetyl-l-carnitine is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. L-carnitine is needed for fat metabolism, but once acetyl molecules are attached, carnitine can help metabolize carbohydrates too. This is another way acetyl-l-carnitine is more active. Acetyl molecules are necessary to turn carbohydrates into energy in the Krebs cycle, a chemical process where cells use oxygen for energy. Acetyl-l-carnitine is involved in transporting carbohydrates for this process.
Nervous System
The nervous system demonstrates a preference for acetyl-l-carnitine over l-carnitine, so it is more involved than carnitine in nerve health. When the acetyl group is attached, it is more readily transported to the nervous system. When transported to the nervous system, acetyl-l-carnitine plays an important role in neurotransmitter production.
Other Differences
Mitochondria prefer acetyl-l-carnitine over l-carnitine, so it is readily allowed to enter energy cell centers. Mitochondria accept l-carnitine too, but when given the choice, it accepts acetyl-l-carnitine first. Acetyl-l-carnitine, but not l-carnitine helps keep mitochondria healthy by restoring an inner membrane called cardiolipin. Cardiolipin is susceptible to age-related damage. When cardiolipin degrades, mitochondria are unable to perform as well.
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