In humans, L-carnitine is an acyl transfer-promoting compound that acts at the interface between fatty acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, promoting fatty acid oxidation and non-oxidative glucose disposal. Protheragen Nutraceuticals provides customers with quality L-carnitine supplements to help you achieve better results in weight management.
Main Functions of L-Carnitine
Transport fatty acids
L-carnitine is an excellent weight loss active substance and is a normal component of diet. Its main function is to help long-chain fatty acids to carry out β-oxidation of fatty acids, which is beneficial to the utilization of fat by the human body, including burning excess fat for energy. Therefore, L-carnitine can be used as a functional supplement for weight management. Supplementing L-carnitine and paying attention to strengthening exercise can make the accumulated fat in the body be oxidized and utilized, so as to achieve the effect of reducing fat. [1]
Delay fatigue and help recovery after exercise
L-carnitine has anti-fatigue effect, and its anti-fatigue mechanism is mainly related to that L-carnitine can increase the reserve of inosinogen, reduce the consumption of muscle glycogen after exercise, inhibit the production of lactic acid, and accelerate the clearance of lactic acid and urea nitrogen.
Studies have shown that dietary supplementation with L-carnitine has a positive effect on the recovery process after exercise. [2] L-carnitine attenuates muscle damage and reduces markers of cellular damage and free radical formation that accompany diminished muscle soreness. [3]
Sources of L-Carnitine
Endogenous synthesis
L-carnitine is a natural, intrinsic substance necessary for body fat metabolism. Currently, the biochemical pathways for the endogenous synthesis of L-carnitine in humans are not well characterized. It is generally believed that L-carnitine is converted from 6-N-trimethyl-lysine in the human body, and its conversion pathway is shown in the figure below. [4]
Exogenous supply
L-carnitine can also be obtained through food intake. It is estimated that the average adult diet provides about 75% of the daily L-carnitine requirement. The bioavailability of dietary L-carnitine ranges from 54% to 87%, while the bioavailability of pharmacological doses of L-carnitine is 5-18%. [4]
Precautions
- L-carnitine can cause excitement, so do not take it 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
- Attention should be paid to the intake of vitamin C and B5 during L-carnitine supplementation, which will affect fat metabolism.
- It is never too much to take your doctor's advice before you take L-carnitine supplements.
Related Research Information
Therapeutic effect on cardiovascular disease
A review study noted that long-term oral propionyl-L-carnitine improved maximal exercise duration and maximal oxygen consumption compared with placebo, and suggested that propionyl-L-carnitine has specific effects on peripheral muscle metabolism. A multicenter trial of 537 patients showed that propionyl-L-carnitine improved exercise capacity but preserved heart function in patients with heart failure. [5]
References- M. Pooyandjoo. (2016). "The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," Obesity Reviews 17(10), 970-976.
- Heidrun Karlic. (2004). "Supplementation of l-carnitine in athletes: does it make sense," Nutrition 20(7–8), 709-715.
- Roger Fielding. (2018). "L-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise," Nutrients 10(5), 541.
- María M. Adeva-Andany. (2017). "Significance of l-carnitine for human health," IUBMB Life 69(8), 578-594.
- Roberto Ferrari. (2009). "Therapeutic Effects of l-Carnitine and Propionyl-l-carnitine on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review," Annals New York Academy of Sciences 1033(1), 79-91.
※ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
