At Fitness Fahrenheit we always stress good nutrition and fitness as the basis of any goal that you set.

We never try and hype up supplements as end all tell alls for whatever goals you are tryna get traction on.

At the same time we recognize that supplements can be very helpful when used properly and in context.

Today we’ll look at carnitine.

Carnitine isn’t anything to be afraid of.  Understand how it works and how to utilize it, and it can be an excellent tool to have in your battles against body fat.

What Is L-Carnitine?

While it is frequently categorized as an amino acid, L-carnitine isn’t technically an amino. It is thought about a “vitamin-like” and “amino-acid-like” substance that belongs to the B vitamins. 

L-carnitine is formed in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine.  It is stored in the body mainly in muscles (including the heart), the brain, and even in sperm. In food, it is commonly found naturally in the common meats. Generally speaking, the redder the meat the more carnitine is likely to be found.

Carnitine exists in two kinds: D-carnitine and L-carnitine. The L-form is the type of carnitine found in nature and is biologically active. On labels, you’ll see it listed as L-carnitine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, or Propionyl-L-carnitine. The D kind of carnitine, on the other hand, is biologically inactive and isn’t offered as a supplement.

Acetyl L-carnitine, likewise known as acetylcarnitine or ALCAR, is another popular extra type of carnitine. It can be discovered throughout the central nervous system, where it contributes in producing energy and produces the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

What Does L-Carntine Do?

L-carnitine helps to transfer fat, particularly long-chain fatty acids, into the mitochondria of cells. Once there, the fats can be oxidized– utilized as fuel– to produce adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. L-carnitine does this cellular work both when you work out and rest, but its especially active when you workout.

Without adequate carnitine, a lot of dietary fats can’t enter into the mitochondria and be burned for fuel.

How Does L-Carnitine Work?

When your insulin is low, your mitochondria start relying on fat for fuel. They grab onto kept body fat (or fat you eat), simplify into fats, and send the fatty acids to your mitochondria. Your mitochondria turn those fatty acids into ATP (energy) that powers your cells.

But fatty acids can’t enter your mitochondria alone. They utilize something called a carnitine shuttle bus. Essentially, carnitine latches onto fats and brings them into your mitochondria. It gives your mitochondria the raw products to produce lots of energy and function at their best.

Simply put, you need carnitine to metabolize fat. If you’re short on carnitine, fat can’t enter your mitochondria, and you struggle to use it for fuel. However with plentiful carnitine, your fat metabolic process works like a well-oiled device. That’s where ALCAR supplements can be found in, and why they’re so popular with bodybuilders.

What Are The Advantages Of Taking L-Carnitine?

Using -L-carnitine has 2 primary advantages:

Boosts brain power: ALCAR is an anti-aging nootropic, or wise drug, significance, it helps your brain to carry out better. The acetyl group on it let it pass your blood-brain barrier and reach your brain and nerves, where it can improve your mood, finding out, and memory.

Burns fat and builds muscle: ALCAR can offer you an edge in the health club, too. It shuttles fuel (in the form of fatty acids) to your muscle mitochondria, which ramps up your energy production and can increase endurance. ALCAR also pushes your metabolism toward weight loss while you exercise.

How does this work? For one, carnitine decreases oxidative damage in the body’s nitric oxide (NO). However it also boosts the activity of a key enzyme involved in your body’s NO production. The net outcome is higher NO blood levels, which not only improve energy throughout exercises, but also muscle recovery following workouts.

How Should I Take L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a valuable addition to your daily supplement routine, specifically if you’re an athlete or you’re trying to find anti-aging benefits. Just like the majority of supplements, timing matters. Here’s what you need to understand.

The standard use is usually between 1-3 grams of L-carnitine, taken every day. It can depend on which brand you buy. Just be sure you follow the guidelines given on the bottle and use common sense. One gram a day seems to be an excellent location to start. From there, you can increase or decrease the dose as you please. Here are sample prepare for taking ALCAR:

ACETYL-L-CARNITINE FOR NOOTROPIC BENEFITS/ANTI-AGING:

2g/day; half first thing in the early morning, half in the afternoon

ACETYL-L-CARNITINE FOR FITNESS AND FAT-BURNING:

2-3g day; half 90 minutes prior to exercise (to increase your muscle endurance), half after exercise (to accelerate recovery).