L-Carnitine

Carnitine is found in nearly all body cells and plays a critical role in energy production. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria to oxidize or burn them to produce energy. 

Carnitine also transports toxic compounds from the cellular organelles, preventing accumulation. Given these functions, carnitine is concentrated in tissues that utilize fatty acids as fuel, like skeletal and cardiac muscles. For most people, the body makes enough carnitine. However, some people have genetic or medical conditions that prevent their bodies from meeting the necessary amount. 

This is when oral or injected supplementation is essential. Carnitine occurs in two forms: D-carnitine and L-carnitine. They are isomers (or mirror images) of each other. L-carnitine is the active form found in the body that transports fat to cells to be used as fuel in metabolic processes. D-carnitine does not occur naturally in humans. L-carnitine is synthesized in the brain, liver, and kidneys from the amino acids methionine and lysine and is critical to heart and brain function, muscle movement, and several other body processes.

 Insufficient carnitine can lead to problems in the liver, heart, and muscles.

Possible Benefits of L-Carnitine

• Enhance fat burning for energy Improve lean muscle mass Increase energy levels.