L-Carnitine is a natural nutrient also used to be known as vitamin BT. It is a quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. In living cells, it is required for the transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria during the breakdown of lipids (or fats) for the generation of metabolic energy. In a few words L-Carnitine turns fat into energy. Due to its fundamental role in energy metabolism, carnitine is typically used to support all bodily functions that have a high energy demand. Extensive research has shown the effectiveness of L-Carnitine in applications such as exercise, heart health, weight management, brain wellness and infant nutrition. A small amount of L-Carnitine is naturally produced on a daily basis within the human body and high concentrations of L-Carnitine are present in the human heart and in skeletal muscle. The highest concentrations of carnitine are found in red meat and dairy products.
In the course of human aging, carnitine concentration in cells diminishes, affecting fatty acid metabolism in various tissues. Carnitine has been proposed as a treatment for many conditions. Some of the conditions carnitine may help treat are serious, and in those cases the supplement should be taken under the supervision of your doctor, as an adjunct therapy to conventional medicine. For other conditions, such as fatigue or improving exercise performance, carnitine appears safe.
