L-Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the metabolism of fat and commonly marketed as a weight loss supplement. L-Carnitine itself will not stimulate your body to burn fat but may be an essential nutrient in individuals with certain medical conditions that cause an L-carnitine deficiency. L-Carnitine supplementation has little effect in healthy individuals but may be effective in restoring fat metabolism in those with heart disease, type 2 diabetes or cancer.
L-Carnitine Function
Mitochondria are organelles in your cells that generate energy, including the energy from the oxidation of fatty acids. L-Carnitine is required to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned for energy. L-Carnitine also transports metabolic waste out of the mitochondria. The highest concentrations of L-carnitine are found in the heart and skeletal muscles as well as the brain.
Weight Loss in Health Individuals
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, more than two decades of research has failed to establish a definitive effect of L-carnitine supplementation on athletic performance or weight loss in healthy individuals. Supplementation with L-carnitine will not increase levels above those already occurring in the body if the body is not deficient. However, the breakdown of mitochondria with aging may be slowed by increasing L-carnitine intake.
When L-Carnitine May Be Beneficial
When your metabolism or circulation is impaired you may be unable to produce enough L-carnitine or be unable to deliver it throughout your body. Effective L-carnitine deficiency has been observed in those with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, HIV and kidney disease. L-carnitine supplementation may help restore normal fat metabolism in these individuals and result in some fat loss.
Safe Supplementation
Many conditions that will benefit from L-carnitine supplementation are serious medical conditions. L-carnitine supplementation does not replace proper medical treatment and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. One to 3 g of L-carnitine may be prescribed per day in divided doses. Several forms of L-carnitine are available, with acetyl-L-carnitine potentially having the highest bioavailability.
Member Comments