Defining L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine, also known as levocarnitine, is an amino acid structure that naturally occurs within the body. Derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine, L-carnitine plays a crucial role in energy production.
As the Office of Dietary Supplements notes, L-carnitine’s main function within the body is the transportation of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria of your cells. Once these fatty acids are transported, they are then oxidized, or “burned,” to produce energy. L-carnitine then removes the toxic compounds generated from this process to prevent the build-up of those compounds.
We should point out that there are other carnitine compounds, such as acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC). When needed, the human body can convert L-carnitine into either of these compounds.
While ALC and PLC serve similar functions to L-carnitine, these compounds are commonly used for other purposes. For instance:
Acetyl-L-carnitine is generally used to support brain health, as the compound crosses the blood-brain barrier to support brain energy and functionality.
Propionyl-L-carnitine is typically used for cardiovascular purposes and to improve low levels of testosterone.
Research is still being conducted on these carnitine compounds and their uses. So, while some of their benefits may lack sufficient evidence, a plethora of research has shown there is a clear relationship between L-carnitine and weight loss.
3 Ways L-Carnitine And Weight Loss Are Connected
While L-carnitine can be an effective weight loss supplement, you can’t rely solely on this amino acid to shed those pounds. As mentioned earlier, successful weight loss can only be achieved when you stick to a balanced diet and regular exercise. Then you’ll see how L-carnitine benefits your weight loss initiative first-hand.
Improved Exercise Performance
When it comes to weight loss, your workouts are half the battle. If you want to lose weight, most experts recommend exercising for at least 200 minutes per week (more than 3 hours). That means you’ll need to squeeze in 3-4 hourly workouts or 6 half-hour workouts into your weekly schedule. And L-carnitine may be able to help you get even more out of those weight loss workouts in numerous ways.
Research has shown that L-carnitine may benefit your workouts by:
Increasing the oxygen supply to your muscles
Contribute to the increased production of red blood cells
Improving your stamina by reducing fatigue and increasing blood flow
Reducing your muscle soreness
Improving your exercise recovery time
What do all of these benefits mean for you? With L-carnitine supplementation, you may be able to work out for longer stretches of time with more energy and you may be able to work out more frequently. And the more you work out, the more calories you will burn.
Eliminate Body Fat
In a majority of cases, people who want to lose weight are actually trying to burn body fat. Unfortunately, that process is often easier said than done. While exercise and proper nutrition are key to burning body fat, L-carnitine may give you an extra edge.
Numerous trials and studies have shown that L-carnitine may play a role in burning body fat. In fact, one analysis of nine studies (of mostly obese individuals) found that people lost an average of 2.9 pounds of weight while taking L-carnitine.
However, it’s important to point out that the human body is incredibly complicated and that everybody is different. While L-carnitine may contribute to fat burning for some individuals, that does not mean it will deliver the same results for everyone. Ongoing research studies are continuing to investigate the fat-burning capabilities of L-carnitine.
Improved Mental Well-Being
For many people, the biggest obstacle to overcome during a weight loss journey is almost always your own mind. Some people may struggle to get themselves motivated to exercise while others may not be fully mentally prepared for the intensity of their workouts. It can be very difficult to get your head in the right space to stick with your diet and exercise routine.
Fitness experts across the globe all agree that mental health is a key component of any weight loss journey. Fortunately, L-carnitine may be able to provide the extra support your mind needs.
As we mentioned briefly earlier, L-carnitine can be converted within the body to acetyl-L-carnitine and vice versa. A wealth of reliable research studies have shown that ALC can have a significant influence over your mental health. In fact, as Psychology Today notes, this amino acid has been shown to:
Improve depressed moods
Reduce cognitive decline
And help treat dementia
So, your mental health may indirectly benefit from L-carnitine supplementation. And when your mind is in a better spot, you’ll have a greater chance of succeeding in your weight loss efforts.
L-Carnitine And Weight Loss: Start Your Journey Today
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