So, What Is L-Carnitine?
L-carnitine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces. However, it is technically a “conditionally essential nutrient,” because while it may be produced in the body, not everyone can produce enough of it.
This amino acid is commonly recognized for the role it plays in the production of energy in the body by transporting fatty acids into your cells’ mitochondria. The mitochondria then burns these fats to create usable energy.
The amino acid is naturally produced in the body from the amino acids: lysine and methionine. But, to get enough of it in meaningful amounts, you need to be getting plenty of Vitamin C from your diet or supplements. It can also be ingested through foods like meat or fish. For that reason, many vegetarians and vegans find it beneficial to supplement this nutrient as their diets cannot offer them enough of the amino acid. However, they are not the only ones who can benefit from a carnitine supplement.
How Does Your Body Use This Amino Acid?
The main reason we need this amino acid is for energy production, which is done through the process described above. Additionally, it’s worth noting that many health experts across the industry agree that this amino acid may increase mitochondrial function (Neurochemical Research).
Further evidence has suggested that the amino acid may support brain health (Neurochemistry International) and it may also benefit your heart health too (Mayo Clinic).
L-Carnitine In Sports Nutrition
This conditionally essential amino acid has become widely popularized in the fitness industry, but the reasons people are using those types of supplements when it comes to exercise or sports often lacks merit. The theory that carnitine in and of itself supports fat loss due to the fat burning properties sounds logical, but the real-world results have been slightly mixed.
In a few studies, L-carnitine supplementation did not have any measurable impact on weight loss in the subjects (International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research). However, it’s worth noting that one analysis of nine separate studies found that people lost an average of 2.9 pounds more weight while taking this special amino acid (Obesity Reviews).
Those that supplement carnitine prior to workouts may actually benefit from the energy production, rather than the fat burning properties of the supplement. It is for this reason the amino acid has become popular in the fitness space.
And the benefits go much further beyond simple sports nutrition. As we briefly mentioned earlier, here are some of the additional benefits related to L-carnitine supplementation that you can take advantage of:
Brain Function
Patients suffering from age related mental decline can benefit from L-carnitine supplementation. In some cases, an alternative form, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR), has been shown to protect the brain from cell damage. Specifically, in patients with alcohol addictions, regular ALCAR supplementation improved all measures of brain function.
Heart Function
Blood pressure and other inflammatory problems in the heart can benefit from this amino acid. In the studies referenced above, some patients saw as much as a 10-point drop in their systolic blood pressure, which is an important indicator for heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Those taking anti-diabetic medication have seen significant improvements in their blood sugar levels when taking an L-carnitine supplement. It is also thought to have a positive impact on an enzyme known as AMPK, which improves the body’s ability to use carbs effectively.
Upgrade Your Health With An L-Carnitine Supplement
If you want to reap the benefits of this amino acid, then we’ve got the perfect carnitine supplement for you: GNC’s iSatori® L-Carnitine LS3™ Liquid Supplement. This supplement features an advanced complex called “CarniTone™” which include 3 different forms of carnitine. In each serving of this supplement, you’ll find:
1000 mg of L-carnitine
250 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine
250 mg of L-carnitine L-tartrate
With this supplement, you get to benefit from 3 different types of carnitine that all fall within the healthy recommended daily dosage: 2 grams. It honestly is one of the best ways to integrate carnitine into your daily diet easily, simply, and effectively.
If you're interested in improving your overall health today, then this could be the ideal supplement for you. Order your first container of iSatori® LS3™ today and help support hungry families in America with your purchase.
