L-Carnitine

L Carnitine For Weight Loss

Did you know that carnitine is an amino acid that occurs in two distinct forms: L-carnitine and D-carnitine? L-carnitine is the active form that is produced naturally within the body, as well as is found in protein rich foods and supplements. L-carnitine plays a key role in energy metabolism and production by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria (the powerhouse of our cells where energy is produced), to be burned and used as fuel for the body. This is why L Carnitine is frequently used to help speed up fat burning, and stimulate weight loss.

Indeed, L-Carnitine is widely recognized as the fat-burning amino acid, and one of the most well-known weight loss supplements thanks to its thermogenic effects that help you burn up your stored fat faster. Just as interestingly, since fat is an excellent source of clean energy for muscles (think of the ketogenic approach to weight loss), L-carnitine supplementation helps enhance muscle performance during physical activity, including that of the heart muscle. While L-carnitine works best when paired with physical exercise, research has shown considerable weight loss benefits even without exercise, in conjunction with dietary modification/caloric restriction.

Benefits of L Carnitine

• Aids Weight Loss
• Increases Energy Expenditure
• Regulates Blood Sugar
• Stimulates Fat Metabolism

Who Should Take L Carnitine For Weight Loss?

A quality L-carnitine supplement is a great idea for anyone seeking to ramp up their fat burning and energy expenditure during physical activity, especially those looking to shed a few pounds, optimize body composition (lose fat/retain existing muscle/build new muscle), as well as for athletes and gym aficionados looking to boost energy production to enhance exercise performance and prevent muscle damage.

L Carnitine Supplements For Weight Loss

As a supplement, L-carnitine is available as a capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. L-carnitine supplements may come in several different forms such as basic L-carnitine for endurance, performance, and fat-loss/weight-loss; as L-carnitine fumarate, to provide energy to the heart and skeletal muscles; as N-acetyl-L-carnitine, which is known to effortlessly pass the blood-brain barrier, to ramp up fat burning and energy expenditure during physical activity; as well as in L-carnitine L-tartrate form, which is frequently found in sports nutrition supplements, to mitigate muscle soreness and optimize physical performance.

L-carnitine for weight loss is typically recommended in the 500-2000 mg daily dose range, to be taken in divided doses, with food. Always follow the dosing instructions on the product label.

L Carnitine Cautions & Side Effects

L-carnitine supplementation is generally safe and well-tolerated, though can cause mild side effects in certain individuals, including stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

L-carnitine should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Those who have a diagnosed liver or kidney disorder, pre-existing seizure disorder (including epilepsy), or are following a low protein diet, should consult a health care practitioner prior to use. L-carnitine supplementation is not advisable for those with low thyroid function because it can worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.