L-Carnitine is becoming increasingly popular as a weight-loss supplement. L-carnitine, also known as levocarnitine, is a naturally occurring amino acid structure produced by the body according to Jon Johnson of Medical News Today. It can also be obtained through diet or by taking an oral supplement. Because it converts fat into energy, L-carnitine is essential for energy production. It may also aid in some other bodily functions such as maintaining general brain function and lowering the risk of certain disorders.
L-carnitine is a dietary supplement and a nutrient. According to Judith L. Flanagan and her colleagues' research, it plays an important role in energy production by transporting fatty acids into your cells' mitochondria. The mitochondria function as engines within your cells, converting fats into usable energy. L-carnitine can be synthesized in the body from the amino acid known as lysine and methionine. You also need a lot of vitamin C for your body to produce enough of it. In addition to the L-carnitine your body produces, you can obtain small amounts by eating animal products such as meat or fish. Approximately 98 percent of your L-carnitine is stored in your muscles with trace amounts in your liver and blood.
Furthermore, L-carnitine, according to Jon Johnson, may help with some markers of heart health, though research is still ongoing. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can sometimes cause a person to become deficient in L-carnitine. L-carnitine supplements may help reduce symptoms such as fatigue and weakness in these cases. Kidney and liver diseases may result in L-carnitine deficiency. Many people believed that taking more of it will help them lose weight because L-carnitine aids in burning fatty acids for energy. In theory, using L-carnitine as a weight loss supplement makes sense, according to Healthline's Rudy Mawer, but more research is needed to support this idea. Researchers discovered some evidence to support this claim in a review of nine different trials.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), healthy people do not require additional L-carnitine from food or supplements. The liver and kidneys will produce sufficient to meet their daily requirements. Carnitine is widely available in a variety of simple foods, despite the fact that the body produces it naturally. Fish, red meat, and poultry are some of the best sources of animal proteins. Adults who eat a mixed diet that includes red meat and other animal products get about 60–180 milligrams (mg) of carnitine per day, according to the NIH. People who avoid animal products such as those who follow a vegan diet may obtain 10–12 mg from their meal.
People who are deficient in L-carnitine may need to take a supplement or eat more of the compound. Some people may be interested in taking L-carnitine supplements because of the potential benefits such as weight loss. More research, however, is required to confirm these benefits. People who want to take L-carnitine should first consult with a doctor. They may give additional recommendations to keep yourself healthy and strong!
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas
References:
1. What to know about L-carnitine
Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — Written by Jon Johnson on July 20, 2020
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-carnitine
2. L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage
Written by Rudy Mawer, MSc, CISSN on November 6, 2018
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/l-carnitine
3. Role of carnitine in disease
Judith L Flanagan, Peter A Simmons, Joseph Vehige, Mark DP Willcox, and Qian Garrett
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861661/
4. Carnitine: a nutritional, biosynthetic, and functional perspective
Alison Steiber, Janos Kerner, Charles L Hoppel
