What do you need to know about L-carnitine?

What Is L-Carnitine? Carnitine is a type of amino acid that benefits energy levels by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned up and used as fuel. For this reason, many take carnitine as a weight loss supplement to help bump up fat burning. Carnitine occurs in two forms, or isomers: L-carnitine and D-carnitine.

How does carnitine help with weight loss and fat burning?

Carnitine is a type of amino acid that benefits energy levels by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned up and used as fuel. For this reason, many take carnitine as a weight loss supplement to help bump up fat burning. Carnitine occurs in two forms, or isomers: L-carnitine and D-carnitine.

Are there any health effects from chronic exposure to carnitine?

Other research, however, has raised concerns about the cardiovascular effects of chronic exposure to carnitine.

How does L-carnitine help with muscle soreness?

Muscle soreness: May reduce muscle soreness after exercise ( 49 ). Red blood cell production: May increase the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout your body and muscles ( 50, 51 ). L-carnitine may also reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors ( 52, 53, 54 ).

Are there any benefits to L-carnitine for cancer patients?

Tiredness in people with cancer. Some cancer patients have low blood levels of L-carnitine, which might reduce energy and lead to fatigue. Some early research suggests that taking L-carnitine might improve fatigue in advanced cancer patients. However, other research suggests that it has no benefit.

How does L-carnitine tartrate affect testosterone levels?

L-Carnitine levels in the seminal plasma have also been shown to have a positive correlation with serum testosterone Results of animal study showed that l-carnitine tartrate significantly increases serum testosterone levels compared to saline solution. Serum LH and FSH levels were also significantly increased.

What are the benefits of L carnitine for type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes and insulin sensitivity. L-carnitine has also been shown to reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors (52, 53, 54). In one human study of patients with type 2 diabetes, L-carnitine improved the blood sugar response to a high-carb meal.