L-Carnitine is a type of amino acid derivative that occurs naturally. L-Carnitine is often used as a supplement by athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The supplement is mainly used by those trying to lose weight. Apart from this, L-Carnitine also positively impacts brain function. Like any other L-Carnitine, there are positive and negative arguments regarding the use of the supplement.
L-Carnitine is like any other dietary supplement. It mainly helps in the production of energy and transports fatty acids into the mitochondria of the cells. As a result, the mitochondria burn these fats and convert them into energy. In simpler terms, the supplement aids the process of fat loss and energy production at the same time.
The human body is capable of producing L-Carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the production of L-Carnitine. Hence, your body needs sufficient amounts of Vitamin C. Apart from being produced naturally, L-Carnitine can also be found in small quantities from fish or meat.
But for those with some genetic issues or vegetarian people, it is hard to get sufficient amounts of L-Carnitine. While it is an essential nutrient, its lack can not just affect your workout performance. Still, your fitness goals could also be delayed. This is why people need to take L-Carnitine as a supplement.
Types of L-Carnitine
While L-Carnitine is present in the body in the natural form, there are several types of L-Carnitine.
- Acetyl L-Carnitine: Acetyl L-Carnitine is regarded as one of the most useful nutrients for the brain. Also known as ALCAR, Acetyl L-Carnitine may significantly help people struggling with neurodegenerative diseases.
- D-Carnitine: D-Carnitine is the inactive form of Carnitine. It may also lead to Carnitine deficiency in the body. It may also prevent the absorption of other useful forms of Carnitine.
- Propionyl-L-Carnitine: This form of Carnitine is very helpful in dealing with circulatory issues like peripheral vascular disease and high blood pressure. Propionyl-L-Carnitine is also capable of boosting nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow in the body.
- L-Carnitine L-tartrate: L-Carnitine L-tartrate is commonly used in sports supplements as this nutrient’s absorption rate is fast. This really helps in recovery after a workout and also helps against muscle soreness.
Also Read, Everything you Need to know about Cholesterol
Use of L Carnitine
Energy Production:
Energy Production is one of the key uses of Carnitine. This is the reason that most athletes and bodybuilders use Carnitine as a supplement. It helps the body convert fat into energy and boosts performance while cutting down the excess fat.
98% of L-Carnitine stores are located in the muscles.
It also helps in increasing mitochondrial function, which is very important for fighting disease and healthy aging.
Improves Brain Function:
L-Carnitine’s benefits are not just limited to physical aspects. It also has great benefits for one’s mental health. Apart from playing a key role in energy production, L-Carnitine helps reverse the decline in brain function associated with Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. Studies show that L-Carnitine may help in preventing age-related mental decline. It may also help improve memory.
A study revealed the use of L-Carnitine may help in the protection of brain cells from damage. The overall mental health benefits of L-Carnitine are hard to ignore.
Improves Heart Health:
Just like your body and your brain, L-Carnitine also takes care of the health of your heart. L-Carnitine has been found to have the potential of reducing blood pressure and the inflammatory process linked with heart disease. It helps keep the blood pressure in check, which reduces the risk of heart-related diseases. It may also help patients against severe heart disorders, such as coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure.
