Making Weight Loss Gains with L-Carnitine

08 Sep Making Weight Loss Gains with L-Carnitine

L-CARNITINE

This generation is becoming more and more obsessed about staying fit and healthy. The influence of famous celebrities cannot be denied especially when it comes to having the ‘perfect’ body.  Consequently, weight-loss products (dietary supplements, juices, etc.) are so eager to create their own game in the market. Products with L-Carnitine become more popular. However, those products aren’t enough with the justification of what L-Carnitine really does for the body. So what really is L-Carnitine?

WHAT IS L-CARNITINE?

L-Carnitine (levocarnitine) is a non-essential, amino acid like compound, that is vital to mitochondrial utilization of fatty acids, muscle improvement and functions of the heart and brain. It is actually dipeptide made from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine, that is why, sometimes, it is also called an amino acid. L-Carnitine is known as the “fat-burner” for what it does in the transformation of fats into energy.  Sometimes, the body cannot produce enough L-Carnitine making it a conditionally-essential compound and can be supplied by exogenous L-Carnitine.

TYPES OF L-CARNITINE

1. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) – Best for workout, bodybuilding, and sports. LCLT has been associated with muscle growth and recovery.
2. Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)- Best for the brain. The acetyl allows this type of L-Carnitine to pass through the blood-brain barrier. ALCAR has become known for brain support.
3. Propionyl L-Carnitine (PLCAR)- Best for blood flow related issues.

One type of L-Carnitine plays its own significant role, and it is important to understand that in order to get the best results, one should not interchange the uses of each type.

BENEFITS OF L-CARNITINE

1. Weight Loss

L-Carnitine is good for weight loss since it helps mitochondrial utilization and is known as the “fat burner”. It burns those unwanted fats alongside proper diet and exercise. Though, this needs more research to be completely understood.

2. Improved Performance

L-Carnitine burns fats to energy. This fuel can be used for you to last longer during exercise. Plus, it supports muscle growth and recovery. Thus, helping you bring your performance to the next level.

3. Improved Brain activity

ALCAR is known to improve the brain and the nervous system. The University of Maryland Medical Center wrote: “Several early studies showed that acetyl-L-carnitine, might help slow down the progression of Alzheimer disease, relieve depression related to senility and other forms of dementia, and improve memory in the elderly.” But only under the supervision of their provider.

WHEN AND HOW TO TAKE L-CARNITINE

Experts say that the best time to take L-Carnitine is after workout. This is because due to the depletion of energy. L-Carnitine transports the fatty acids to the mitochondria to generate energy.

According to WebMD, these are the dosages of L-Carnitine:

BY MOUTH:

• For L-carnitine deficiencies in adults: 990 mg two to three times per day in tablets or as an oral solution.
• For preventing side effects caused by valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote, VPA): 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in three or four divided doses, to a maximum of 3 grams/day.
• For chest pain and congestive heart failure (CHF): 1 gram twice daily.
• Following heart attack: 2 to 6 grams daily.
• For symptoms of overactive thyroid: 1-2 grams twice daily.
• For male infertility: 2 grams of L-carnitine plus 1 gram of L-acetyl-carnitine daily.

For more information about L-Carnitine, talk to the Nutrition and Supplement Experts here at Making Gains.