What Is L-carnitine?
L-carnitine is a non-essential amino-acid-like compound, meaning it’s produced in the body naturally. Its main function is to help the body to produce energy and plays an important role in muscle movement as well as the normal functioning of the brain and heart.
L-Carnitine’s main function is for transporting fat into the mitochondria, the center of metabolism for cells. This function is the basis for L-Carnitine weight loss.
Benefits
Optimized fat oxidation
Oxidation is the process that transforms fat into energy. You got to remember that the primary function of L-Carnitine is to transport fatty acids, specifically long-chain fatty acids, into the mitochondria. Fatty acids, when inside the mitochondria, are oxidized to form ATP, the energy currency of the cell. As L-Carnitine is responsible for converting fat into energy, it allows for the creation of energy and the burning of fat. Not only does it improve the person’s stamina and vitality, but it also helps in losing excess fat.
Improved insulin utilization
Insulin is one of the most important hormones in the human body as it keeps blood sugar levels within normal range. Aside from keeping blood sugar levels low, it is also effective in replacing stored glycogen in muscles that were used up during workouts. It is generally recommended that L-Carnitine supplementation must be included in your meals post-workout. Not only is L-Carnitine great for replenishing worn-out muscles after you work out, but it also helps in keeping blood sugar under control, a must for diabetics.
Body sculpting
Creating your figure has never been an easy task for the bodybuilder. Some people are willing to try different products to see which one will help them have that killer physique. When bulking, L-Carnitine supplementation limits fat buildup, allowing a more muscular body mass formation. When cutting, L-Carnitine supplementation increases fat metabolism, allowing your muscles to show more prominently while providing energy vital for its normal function.
Improved athletic performance
Numerous studies have shown that aside from helping people lose weight, L-Carnitine has a positive effect in athletic performance. It all begins with better utilization of energy. A recent study has shown that L-Carnitine users show increased fat burning while reducing muscle glycogen burning. Such results indicate better energy usage for better muscle endurance. Another study has shown that L-Carnitine consumers show more creatine phosphate (responsible for creating ATP) while having less lactic acid buildup (responsible for causing muscle cramps), also indicating better muscle endurance.
For best L-Carnitine for weight loss results, it should be properly consumed. It is recommended that it is best consumed after a workout because of its ability to replenish muscle glycogen levels. However, you can actually consume L-Carnitine at any time of the day, as long as you consume it together with carbohydrates. This is because studies show that increased levels of insulin is crucial for the increased penetration of L-Carnitine into muscle cells, where metabolism is at its highest. At the same time, L-Carnitine also enhances the effect of insulin on muscle cells, causing the delivery of more glucose into the muscle cells.
The dosing of L-Carnitine for weight loss purposes tend to vary. While as little as 1 gram can be effective when consumed the right way, the ideal dosage of this compound is measured at 2-3 grams. Ideally, this supplement must be consumed together with your usual meal. For maximum effectiveness, your meal should consist at least 30 grams of carbohydrate and 20 grams of protein. You can also consume Acetyl-L-Carnitine as it is easily absorbed by both intestine and muscle cells, even when consumed in the absence of food. Cycling is not deemed to be necessary as its effectiveness remains constant with regular consumption. L-Carnitine weight loss is best achieved when it is consumed the right way.
Other benefits
Supplements and energy drinks that contain L-carnitine boost metabolism that help you shed weight and increase your athletic performance.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, studies confirm that cancer patients who took between 250 milligrams (mg) to 4 grams (g) of L-carnitine per day experienced less fatigue.
-improve insulin sensitivity and nerve pain in people with type 2 diabetes
-increase fertility in men
-lower mortality risk in those with ischemic myocardial infarction, or heart attack
-result in mild cognitive improvements in older people
L-carnitine Dosage – How Much Do You Take?
The usual dose of L-carnitine is 500–2,000 mg per day