This l carnitine weight loss review looks at what this popular compound is actually capable of regarding shedding off extra pounds.

What Is It?

 Carnitine, or better yet L-Carnitine, is the byproduct of the amino acids lysine and methionine. Produced in the kidneys and the liver, carnitine is primarily stored in the skeletal muscles. While the body naturally generates this essential compound, the amount needed for optimal health has to be augmented by either consuming foods rich in carnitine (i.e. animal products) or through supplementation. For our vegetarian and vegan brethren, the latter option is more preferable.

There are many forms of L-Carnitine with the following as the most common.  

• L-Carnitine
• Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
• L-Carnitine Tartrate

L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine are naturally produced in the body and are nearly identical with the exception of an Acetyl group. The addition of an acetyl group enables L-Carnitine to pass the blood-brain barrier and interact with the brain. It is believed that Acetyl L-Carnitine plays a critical role in the formation of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter.

 L-Carnitine Tartrate is the fusion of L-Carnitine with a tartaric acid. Of the three, it has the highest absorption rate. If a supplement label contains L-Carnipure® that means is contains L-Carnitine Tartrate. 

 How (It’s Supposed) To Work 

L-Carnitine provides a wide range of services to the body. In regards to fat loss, its interaction to the mitochondria is the key. Fat (or better yet fatty acids) must be transported to the mitochondria in order to be oxidized and converted into ATP, the primary energy source for cells. L-Carnitine mobilizes fatty acids to the mitochondria and thus it is reasoned that additional consumption of the compound will lead to greater usage of fat as energy.     

Science Says……

To be blunt, it’s a bit disappointing.

Of the few human studies, several have demonstrated that L-Carnitine supplementation increases fat mobilization/oxidization; particularly when paired with exercise. However this was only noted in individuals who were carnitine deficient, such as vegetarians/vegans or older persons. For everyone else, there is no consistent evidence that the amino acid byproduct elevates fat burning. This is the case for all forms of L-Carnitine.  

Anything Else 

Because of its ability to interact with the brain, Acetyl L-Carnitine has received much attention for combating age-related memory loss. Preliminary evidence suggests that it can reduce mental decline in not only older individuals (Read Here) but Alzheimer patients as well (Read Here).   

L-Carnitine may support muscles during and after strenuous training by improving oxygen delivery (Read Here) and increasing Nitric Oxide levels (Read Here).  

Our Recommendation 

I’m torn with this one.  On one hand it seems that L-Carnitine can do it all: reduce memory loss, support muscular development, and improve impaired cardiovascular systems (Read Here, Read Here, Read Here). On the other hand it does not seem that this supplement is the epitome of a powerful fat burner. While we should not outright dismiss L-Carnitine, at the moment it should not be receiving such adoration by supplement companies and should not be your go-to supplement for shedding extra fat.  

Dosage and Products

Daily: 500-2000mg (Examine.com)  

 Is the primary ingredient in these products:

• Betancourt Nutrition Carnitine Plus

• Cellucor C4 Ripped

• Cobra Labs The Ripper

• Now L-Carnitine Fitness Support (500mg)

• MusclePharm Shred Sport

• Shred JYM

• RSP QuadraLean Thermogenic

• Optimum Nutrition Daily Fit

• Primaforce Alcar Acetyl L-Carnitine

• Optimum Nutrition L-Carnitine (500mg)

• Universal Nutrition Super Cuts 3

• TRANS4ORM Thermogenic Fat Burner