Essentially, L-carnitine plays a vital role in energy production by transporting fatty acid chains into the mitochondrial matrix, enabling cells to break down fat to burn for energy. This fact is why L – Carnitine is well known as a fat burner, and is recommended for weight loss diets.

• L-Carnitine enhances athletic performance by efficiently utilizing oxygen to produce energy. It also enhances exercise recovery and reduces muscle soreness after strenuous exercise. Promoting muscle growth and decreasing muscle damage caused by the execution of certain exercises.
• Metabolism is boosted by burning carbohydrates, amino acids and fats in the presence of oxygen to produce energy, an important process known as aerobic metabolism.
• L-Carnitine is a powerful anti-catabolite. Reduces the destruction of muscle mass associated with weight loss diets or lack of protein consumption.

In general, L-carnitine helps the body maintain a healthy balance between fat and muscle due to the conversion of fat into energy. Taking concentrated doses in food and supplement form has been associated with several health benefits:

• Increases mitochondrial function, reduces fatigue, and slows physical and cognitive decline.
• It helps to lose fat and thus lose weight. However, in order to achieve the desired results, research shows that regular physical activity and a proper diet are also necessary.
• L-carnitine affects red blood balance. Based on scientific evidence taking L-carnitine in kidney dialysis patients successfully increased the number of red blood cells in the blood. Because of its functions, L-carnitine is considered important for patients with anemia, especially those caused by chronic kidney disease.
• Reduces symptoms such as fast or pounding heartbeats, nervousness, and weakness in people with high thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism).
• L-carnitine consumption is common during exercise due to its body resistance and muscle recovery functions that reduce post-exercise fatigue.
• In general, L-carnitine has been shown to successfully treat a variety of cardiovascular, renal, psychiatric, metabolic and dermatological conditions.

Different types of L- carnitine can be found, such as L- Carnitine Base, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Propionyl-L-Carnitine, Fumarate – L – Carnitine, D – Carnitine, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, among others. The consumption of a specific type will depend on each person’s particular needs. Some types can focus more on some benefits than the others. Acetyl-L-Carnitine for example, it is often used for conditions related to the nervous system for its penetrating position in the blood-brain barrier. Aesthetic & Wellness Clinic recommends Acetyl – L- Carnitine consumption, because it enhances the nervous system’s health, improving cognitive function (memory, attention and concentration) and reducing stress and depression. Acetyl – L- Carnitine also prevents neuron death, regenerating peripheral tissue damage caused by diseases or medical procedures, protecting the brain against neurological diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson.

As the richest source of L- Carnitine is derived from animal products, vegetarians and vegans may have lower levels of this important amino acid. It’s recommended for them to supplement their diet with a L- Carnitine supplement.

Older adults may consider including L-Carnitine for its several benefits as amino acid levels decline over time. What’s more, the intake can reduce fatigue, increase muscle and brain function, which also leads to quality of life improving  in this population.  L – Carnitine deficiency may also be connected to genetic components, causing synthesis problems, intestinal malabsorption, and liver failure. L-Carnitine deficiency can increase adipose tissue, reduce energy production, and cause premature aging.

People with epilepsy, heart failure, peripheral neuropathy, pregnant or breastfeeding women should take certain precautions when taking L-carnitine supplements as it may negatively affect them.

Possible side effects of oral L-carnitine are vomiting, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, gastritis, abdominal pain, fever, and excessive sweating. These side effects can occur when consuming high doses of the amino acid, or in people who are contraindicated due to a medical condition or allergy to its ingredients.

L-carnitine is a safe supplement, although it is necessary to know how to use it and what the recommended dosage is based on individual’s needs. Consult with us! At Aesthetic & Wellness Clinic, we can provide proper guidance on L-carnitine consumption.

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