L-carnitine is a substance shrouded in a lot of myths. Some do not allow it, others consider it a complete waste of money. We at MyFitnessio always try to base our opinions on the results of scientific studies that clearly refute or confirm certain claims. For a detailed summary of what the research says about the benefits of L-carnitine, see the texts below the rankings. At this point, however, it is worth mentioning that L-carnitine is one of the most widely used substances to promote weight loss and fat burning, many people also use it to promote muscle growth and so on. In short, it is a supplement that enjoys really great popularity among strength athletes.
When choosing supplements, it is often hard to distinguish a quality product from a poor quality one. That's exactly why we have created a clear ranking for you, in which you will find the bestThe best dietary supplements with L-carnitine with a list of their main advantages and disadvantages and a short description of the ingredients. Which products passed our test?
The 10 best carnitines
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
|
NutriWorks L-Carnitine | 2 000 mg of L-carnitine tartrate, 100 daily doses per pack, In the form of a soluble powder | $27,96 | Best price More information |
| 2. |
|
Prom-in L-carnitin | Up to 1 500 mg of L-carnitine tartrate, 80-240 daily doses per pack, In capsule form | $20,45 | Best price More information |
| 3. |
|
MaxxWin L-Carnitine Guarana Taurine | 600 mg of L-carnitine tartrate, 45 daily doses per pack, In capsule form | Best price More information | |
| 4. |
|
GreenFood Carnitin Arginin Maca | 940 mg of L-carnitine tartrate, 45 daily doses per pack, In capsule form | Best price More information | |
| 5. |
|
Extrifit Carni Liquid 120000 | Up to 3,600 mg of pure L-carnitine, 33-100 daily doses per pack, In liquid concentrate form | $15,56 | Best price More information |
| 6. |
|
Extrifit Carnigel | 2 000 mg of pure L-carnitine, One daily dose, In gel form | $15,56 | Best price More information |
| 7. |
|
Vilgain Vitamin D3+K2 | 3 000 mg of pure L-carnitine, One daily dose, Liquid drink | Best price More information | |
| 8. |
|
Extrifit Carnifresh | 1 500 mg of pure L-carnitine, One daily dose, Liquid drink | $1,76 | Best price More information |
| 9. |
|
Nutrend Carnitine 100000 | 1 000 mg of pure L-carnitine, 100 daily doses per pack, In the form of a liquid concentrate | $19,96 | Best price More information |
| 10. |
|
Nutrend Carnitine Activity Drink | 1 000 mg of pure L-carnitine, One daily dose, Liquid drink | $1,80 | Best price More information |
Detailed comparison of the best carnitines
The first place in our ranking of the best L-Carnitine is clearly earned by L-Carnitine from NutriWorks. What did it do to convince us so clearly? It is a completely pure product, in which you will find absolutely no substance that has nothing to do in it. Add to that the high content of the active ingredient along with the favourable price and you are in the clear.
Benefits:
- Absolute purity of the product
- High active ingredient content
- Convenient price
- Well-chosen form of L-carnitine
Disadvantages:
- Some may not like the smell and taste of the product
About the Manufacturer:
NutriWorks is a company originating from Finland that was established in 2009. Its products are divided into two categories, which you can tell apart simply by their color. The white range is characterized by its purity and the absence of any artificial sweeteners, while the white range is characterized by its purity and the absence of any artificial sweeteners.mco products in the black range do contain similar substances, but only in minimal quantities. The NutriWorks brand prides itself on the honesty and premium quality of its products.
In one serving (2,000 mg) you will find:
- 2 000 mg of L-carnitine tartrate
Yes, you see correctly. NutriWorks L-Carnitine actually contains only pure L-Carnitine Tartrate. L-Carnitine in this form binds to tartaric acid. This organic binding allows the substance to be used on its own without the use of any stabilizers and similar additives. Therefore, apart from the active substance, you will not find anything extra in the package. The maximum purity of the product is quite unusual nowadays and is all the more positive. The manufacturer recommends a dosage of 2,000 mg per day, which corresponds to the amount that many scientific studies work with.
Final assessment:
I don't think much needs to be added at this point. NutriWorks L-Carnitine is a product with an absolutely perfect formula. We do not spare praise on the price side either, as it is one of the cheapest products in the entire ranking. The taste may be a problem for some, as the product does not contain any sweeteners or flavourings. However, this problem can be solved simply by taking it along with jus, protein or other beverage, as L-carnitine tartrate should be taken with carbohydrates.
L-carnitine from Prom-IN is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a really high quality L-carnitine at an affordable price. Each capsule contains 500 mg of L-carnitine tartrate, which makes 333 mg of pure L-carnitine. With the exception of the substances responsible for keeping the contents of the capsules stable, you won't find any ballast substances here. In terms of purity and quality of composition, this is therefore a first-class product. In terms of price, Prom-in L-carnitine is among the cheaper products.
Advantages:
- High quality and pure composition
- Easy dosing
- Convenient price
- Effective form of L-carnitine
Disadvantages:
- The recommended dose could contain more of the active ingredient
About the Manufacturer:
If you have never met the Czech brand Prom-IN, it is as if you have never exercised. Prom-IN is one of the most trusted brands among sports supplement manufacturers. Prom-prom proves that even for little money you can get a lot of music. Moreover, the offer of this company is really rich. Prom-IN produces basically everything - from proteins, to vitamins and minerals, to probiotics and pre-workouts. What has been our experience with Prom-IN products? You can read our reviews of the legendary CFM Evolution protein or Serious PRE pre-workout.
In one capsule you will find (daily dose is 1-3 capsules):
- 500 mg of L-carnitine tartrate
L-carnitine tartrate is the best choice for athletes in most cases. L-carnitine in this form, however, must be dosed together with carbohydrates. It is therefore best to dose it together with food. The manufacturer recommends taking it before exercise, but frankly, you can't go wrong by taking it after your workout either. For best absorption, we recommend combining it with protein or juice, for example.
Final assessment:
The Prom-IN brand manages to create really high quality products and sell them at very affordable prices. In the case of L-carnitine, this manufacturer has once again managed to hit the mark. Great choice of form, quality performance, affordable price. In addition, you can customize the dosage without any problem. So if you find 1,500 mg of L-carnitine insufficient (the amount contained in 3 capsules), you can simply add an extra capsule. The resulting price will still be quite affordable.
MaxxWin's L-Carnitine Guarana Taurine rounds out the podium in our ranking of the best L-Carnitines. As the name suggests, in addition to L-carnitine, you will also find guarana extract and taurine to enhance the final effect. The L-carnitine itself is contained in the form of L-carnitine tartrate.
Benefits:
- Quality ingredients
- No unnecessary additives
- Contains extra guarana extract and taurine
- Convenient price
Disadvantages:
- We would appreciate a higher content of the active ingredient
About the Manufacturer:
MaxxWin is a Czech company operating in the sports nutrition market since 2011. The advantage of this brand is that all of its production takes place in the Czech Republic, thanks to which it has control over every stage of production. Thanks to the long-term contact with customers as an end distributor, it knows how to adapt its products to their needs. The MaxxWin brand offers whey proteins, stimulants, vitamins, minerals, protein porridges and much more. You may have already come across MaxxWin products in our ranking of the best B vitamins.
In one serving (2 capsules) you will find:
- 600 mg of L-carnitine tartrate
- 200 mg of taurine
- 100 mg of guarana extract
Although the ingredients are adorned with two added substances, we still can't turn a blind eye to the somewhat low L-carnitine content. In two capsules, which correspond to one daily dose, only 600 mg of L-carnitine tartrate is hidden. However, competing products with the same form of the active ingredient contain several times more. But the combination of L-carnitine, guarana extract and taurine together works great - the first of these supports burning fat burning, guarana extract is supposed to reduce appetite, and taurine supports your workout performance.
Final assessment:
MaxxWin L-Carnitine Guarana Taurine is a product that will appeal more to athletes looking for L-Carnitine at the most affordable price. One daily dose will cost you the lowest amount compared to the other products in the ranking. However, this does not mean that its only advantage is the price. It has a truly high-quality composition that will definitely not offend. The only problem I see is the content of L.carnitine itself, which simply could be higher. This is also the reason why I think that customers who don't mind paying a little extra for quality supplements should reach for another product. But if quality at a low price is paramount to you, you'll definitely be satisfied.
Also on the next rung was a product containing not only L-carnitine but also two added substances. GreenFood Carnitin Arginine Maca boasts a very high quality composition, the absence of unnecessary additives and the content of maca root and L-arginine. What's more, you get all this at a very affordable price. It is therefore no wonder that L-carnitine from GreenFood has earned such a good position.
Benefits:
- Contains extra maca and L-arginine
- High-quality ingredients
- No unnecessary additives
- Affordable price
Disadvantages:
- We would have appreciated a higher content of the active ingredient
About the manufacturer:
The Czech family-owned brand GreenFood has been in the sports nutrition market for over 25 years. Over the years, the company has built a reputation as a manufacturer that cares above all about the high quality of its products. Therefore, GreenFood products are free of preservatives, chemical dyes, stabilizers, added sugar and other additives. All products are also suitable for allergy sufferers and vegetarians. You may have already come across GreenFood products in our comparison of the best probiotics or in our ranking of the best vitamin C.
In one dose (2 capsules) you will find:
- 940 mg of L-carnitine tartrate
- 160 mg of maca root
- 100 mg of L-Arginine
As for the L-carnitine content, we would have minor reservations about the amount. While the 940 mg content is not the worst, it is a bit far from ideal. The solution may be to take multiple doses of thein which case the final price per daily dose will rise. On the other hand, we must praise the L-arginine content, which promotes blood circulation during training, which in turn also translates into recovery. We must not forget about maca, which is often mentioned in connection with the support of sexual functions.
Final assessment:
GreenFood Carnitin Arginine Maca offers a number of positive effects that you will not notice in competing products, thanks to the content of L-arginine and maca root. However, the most important substance is a little lacking. If you are considering this product, it is therefore important to be clear about the amount of L-arginine you want to dose. If you stick to the recommended dosage, a single daily dose will come out to a fairly manageable amount that matches the quality of the whole product.
We are slowly moving from capsules to liquid products. Of these, Extrifit Carni Liquid performs best. You can indulge in it in many flavours, thanks to which you will surely find it to your liking. The advantage of liquid concentrate is the ability to mix your drink exactly the way you need it. So you don't have to limit yourself to the amount of L-carnitine contained in each capsule.
Benefits:
- Easy dosing
- Available in many flavours
- High active ingredient content
Disadvantages:
- Liquid products contain rather controversial preservatives
About the Manufacturer:
Looking for supplements made for the uncompromising hard worker? In this case, you are certainly no stranger to the Extrifit brand. In fact, one of the most famous Czech companies in the field of sports products prides itself on the fact thatthat its products are made to meet the demands of the most demanding athletes. All of the company's supplements meet the highest quality requirements and are therefore very popular among strength athletes. We have shared our experience with the Extrifit brand with you, for example, in our review of the hardcore pre-workout Agrezz or in our ranking of the best digestive enzymes.
In one serving (10 ml) you will find:
- 1 200 mg of L-carnitine base
If you happen to think 1 200 mg of pure L-carnitine, which is equivalent to about 1,800 mg of L-carnitine tartrate, you can easily mix your drink stronger. The manufacturer recommends taking a daily dose of 10-30 ml, so you can get up to a total of 3,600 mg of pure L-carnitine (about 5,300 mg of L-carnitine tartrate). Therefore, there is definitely no problem with the amount of the active substance. However, due to the liquid form of the supplement, unfortunately, you need to add five substances to the composition, which are not quite ideal. These are potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. You will also come across them in all the following products and although the use of these substances is allowed and in addition to supplements, they are found in countless foods, yet they are a disadvantage compared to products in capsule form.
Final assessment:
If you stick to the lower end of the recommended dosage, Extrifit Carni Liquid will work out cheaper than most of the competition. However, for the price, you get a really solid amount of L-carnitine. And if you were to increase the dosage a little more, you'd get a really big dose of Carni-Carniof the active ingredient, but price-wise, you'll still be in the average range at best. For that reason too, this supplement gets a very good rating from us.
A good dose of L-carnitine is contained in Extrifit Carnigel - one dose contains 2,000 mg of pure L-carnitine. What's more, it comes in a handy package that you can easily take with you anywhere. But products sold in single doses are of course the most expensive in terms of conversionalthough in this case the final price is not so bad.
Advantages:
- Practical packaging
- High active ingredient content
- Multiple flavours to choose from
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
In one dose (one pack) you will find:
- 2,000 mg of L-carnitine base
In terms of the active ingredient content, there is definitely nothing to criticize. The only downside we see in this blend is that if you do find 2,000 pure L-carnitineit wouldn't be enough to take one more capsule or mix yourself a slightly stronger drink. Instead, you'd have to buy another packet and eat it all. But given that one dose contains the active ingredients to excess, I don't think this would be a common problem. Again, when reading the ingredients, you may notice the preservative content of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Also worth noting is the use of the coloring agent carmine, which is only found in the raspberry flavor. This substance has a relatively high harmfulness score and may only be present in food in limited quantities.
Final assessment:
For anyone looking for high-content L-carnitine in a convenient package, Carnigel from Extrifit is the perfect choice. While it doesn't come out cheapest in price, it's not a disaster compared to other products sold in single-serving increments. The ability to choose from several flavors is also a big advantage. The impression of the product is admittedly spoiled by the use of carmine dye, but when we evaluate all the pros and cons, Extrifit carnigel still performs very well.
The next place in our ranking of the best L-carnitines was taken by Amix CarniShot 3000. The number in the name indicates the content of L-carnitine in one dose in milligrams. It is therefore one of the strongest products in the entire ranking. However, you will have to pay a little extra for the high dose of the active ingredient, as CarniShot is also one of the most expensive products in our comparison.
Pros:
- Convenient packaging
- High dose of L-carnitine
- Choice of several flavours
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
Amix Nutrition is the flagship brand of the British company LargeLife Limited and has been in the sports nutrition market for quite a few years. With a combination of the latest technology, years of research and keeping up with current trends in the sports nutrition field, this manufacturer is one of the biggest names in the international market. The Amix Nutrition range is extremely wide and you can find everything from proteins to joint nutrition or CBD oils. What has been our experience with this manufacturer? Don't miss our review of Amix HydroPure Whey or our ranking of the best whey isolates.
In one serving (one packet) you will find:
- 3 000 mg of L-carnitine base
- 1 000 mg of taurine
- 10 mg of vitamin B6
The high content of pure L-carnitine is of course a great advantage. We must also appreciate the presence of taurine, which, according to studies, can help to burn fat, especially in obese people. In addition, it supports performance and concentration during training, which in turn is reflected in the amount of calories burned. CarniShot also contains vitamin B6, which is important for amino acid metabolism. Therefore, its consumption increases in situations where a person is taking in higher amounts of protein, which is typically the case in reduction diets. The composition as a whole therefore earns a very good grade from us.
Final assessment:
Amix CarniShot is the clear choice for any athlete looking for a supplement with the highest possible L-carnitine content. It comes in several different flavours, and if you and your friends would like to try itIf you don't like it, it's actually no problem because you can drink it in seconds. The biggest disadvantage I see is the price, which is well above average. So if you plan on taking CarniShot on a daily basis, you'll end up paying a lot extra. However, if you don't mind the higher price, you'll definitely be happy with your choice.
The third Extrifit product also found its place in our ranking. Specifically, it is the Carnifresh drink. It contains up to 1,500 mg of pure L-carnitine and you can enjoy it in several flavours. However, you will pay quite a lot of money for an 850 ml drink. The price, combined with the size of the package, kind of prevents you from taking the product regularly, becauseDrinking almost a litre of fluid before every workout is not really ideal.
Pros:
- Several flavours to choose from
- High dose of active ingredient
- Great taste
Disadvantages:
- High price
In one dose (one packet) you will find:
- 1 500 mg L-carnitine base
- 225 mg magnesium bisglycinate
- 100 mg of caffeine
- 200 mcg chromium picolinate
Pure carnitine at 1,500 mg will easily suffice in most cases. In addition to magnesium, you'll find a good dose of magnesium in the highly usable form of bisglycinate (for more information about magnesium supplementation, don't overlook our ranking of the best magnesium supplements). If you like to train in the evening, Extrifit Carnifresh is not the right product for you. This is because of the high caffeine content, which, while it will perk you up before your workout, would give you trouble sleeping later on. Last but not least, there is chromium, which helps in proper metabolism of macronutrients, so it is also important in the weight loss process.
Final assessment:
Carnifresh by Extrifit does help you to replenish enough L-carnitine, but I have two reservations about it. The first is the price, which is not surprising. What's worse, though, is the size of the package. Personally, I can't imagine just drinking almost a liter of liquid before a workout. Of course, it is possible to drink the drink continuously and even during the trainingor after the workout, but in that case you will miss out on the benefits of caffeine. I have no doubt that the product will always find its clientele, after all, it is one of the best rated supplements in its category. But it will definitely not suit everyone.
The next position was taken by one of the cheapest products in the entire ranking. Nutrend Carnitine 100000 is a liquid concentrate from which you can make up to 100 doses containing 1,000 mg of L-Carnitine. In addition to it, you will also find vitamins B5 and B6, but unfortunately some not very suitable colorants and sweeteners.
Benefits:
- Convenient price
- The package contains 100 daily doses
- Several flavours to choose from
Disadvantages:
- Active ingredient content could be higher
- Contains controversial additives
About the Manufacturer:
Nutrend is one of the leading Czech manufacturers of sports nutrition and specializes in supplements for athletes of all kinds. The Nutrend brand has therefore worked with a number of Czech Olympians and the quality of their products is evidenced by the fact thatThe company supplies its products to almost sixty countries around the world and is still expanding. We have shared our experience with Nutrend brand prioducts in our review of Nutrend Multivitamin or in our ranking of the best pre-workouts.
In one serving (10 ml) you will find:
- 1 000 mg of L-Carnitine
- 6 mg of vitamin B5
- 1.4 mg of vitamin B6
The content of vitamins B5 and B6 helps prevent fatigue and normal energy metabolism. Learn more about the importance of B-complex supplementation in our comparison of the best B vitamins. Slightly less praiseworthy is the presence of the coloring agent quinoline yellow and the sweetener acesulfame-K. The latter in particular is quite controversial and although found in a large number of supplements and in a smallsmall amounts, no major harmful effects have been demonstrated, its possible toxicity is still debated.
Final assessment:
Nutrend Carnitine 100000 is a suitable choice especially for athletes looking for L-carnitine at a low price. One pack will last you for a really long time and in a single daily dose it works out very well. In terms of the actual content of L-carnitine, it is such a happy medium. There are products with a lower content, but it is not a problem to find supplements containing even much more active substance. However, if you are after the purest ingredients without unnecessary additives, you will probably be better suited to a different product.
Finally, here is another supplement from Nutrend. Carnitine Activity Drink is the most expensive product in our ranking and similarly to the Extrifit Carnifresh, it is a ready-made drink that you can enjoy before or during your workout. Among its biggest advantages are its perfect taste and great effect.
Benefits:
- Excellent taste
- Many flavours to choose from
- Contains extra taurine
Disadvantages:
- High price
- Some flavours contain unsuitable additives
In one serving (one packet) you will find (grapefruit flavor):
- 1,000 mg of L-carnitine
- 1 000 mg taurine
- 17.3 mg of vitamin B3
We've talked about the benefits of taurine supplementation before training countless times. We must also mention the benefits of vitamin B3, which supports proper energy metabolism. However, in some flavors you will find caffeine instead of vitamin B3. This little thing is good to watch out for, especially if you like to exercise in the evening. The different ingredients of the different flavours can be a bit confusing, as in some cases the ingredientsin some cases there is nothing wrong with the ingredients, while in others there are substances that we really don't want to see in a quality supplement. Examples include the flavour Cool and the colouring Brilliant Blue, the use of which in food is strictly limited to a minimum. In other flavours we can also find the dyes allura red, tartrazine, SY yellow and others.
Final evaluation:
Nutrend Carnitine Activity Drink is most damaged by the content of inappropriate additives. The high price is something that can be survived and for many people it is not even that much of an issue. But dyes like brilliant blue and SY yellow are really substances that are quite over the line in my opinion. It should be noted that their content is within legal limits, but personally I would prefer to avoid them. For this reason, I would recommend choosing flavors that do not contain these dyes. Examples include dragon fruit, eucalyptus + kiwi, grapefruit or even pomelo.
What is L-carnitine and what role does it play in the human body?
Before we start discussing the individual health benefits of L-carnitine, it is of course necessary to tell at least the most basic information about it. What is L-carnitine anyway? Even this seemingly simple question can yield mixed answers in some sources. It is often stated that L-carnitine is an amino acid, which is not true. It is a derivative of the amino acids lysine and methionine, which is synthesized in the liver. Vitamin C is also crucial in the process of L-carnitine formation, so a lack of it can also lead to insufficient production of this compound.
And what is the function of L-carnitine in the body? It participates in the important process of transferring fatty acids to the mitochondria of cells (called beta-oxidation), where they are subsequently used in the process of creating cellular fuel ATP. Simply put, therefore, we can say that L-carnitine helps to burn fat, which is also associated with energy production. It is no wonder, therefore, that it is a very popular dietary supplement that can be found on almost every corner.
Does L-carnitine really have such miraculous effects?
A substance involved in such a fundamental way in fat burning is of course very attractive for manufacturers of sports supplements. In the field of dietary supplements, nothing sells better than products that miraculously help you burn fat and gain a bunch of muscle. But if you're not new to this, you already know very well that there's no such thing as miracle supplements. L-carnitine is not, has not been, and never will be any exception.
The list of positive effects that L-carnitine supposedly has is incredibly long. From the aforementioned fat burning, to boosting brain function, to increasing performance. However, it is important to distinguish what effect L-carnitine is able to produce when it forms itself in the body, and how much L-carnitine taken in the form of supplements is able to support these positive effects. In fact, although there are many studies confirming the importance of L-carnitine per se, scientific research has reliably confirming any substantial benefit of L-carnitine supplements is largely lacking. Does this mean that there would be no studies confirming that supplementing with L-carnitine makes any sense? No. But the results of these studies are often inconclusive, and they certainly don't all follow the same trend. So keep this in mind and take the enthusiastic recommendations of manufacturers of similar supplements with a grain of salt.
What do the studies say?
So is there any scientific research to suggest that L-carnitine supplementation is worthwhile? There are indeed a few. A 2016 meta-analysis says that people taking L-carnitine lost 1.3 kg more weight than a control group without L-carnitine. However, it should be noted that these were mostly older people, or overweight people. Studies also suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine helps minimize the negative effects of Alzheimer's disease on brain function. Something similar is suggested by a study conducted on people addicted to alcohol - a group takingtaking acetyl-L-carnitine scored 90 times better on tests of brain function than the control group.
There is also research suggesting that taking L-carnitine before training can have a positive effect on performance. Other studies also support the claim that L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) helps speed recovery and that L-carnitine supplementation can relieve muscle soreness after training.
The truth about weight loss
L-carnitine is often mentioned in connection with weight loss and fat burning. Many people rely on it in an effort to shed excess pounds. For this reason, I feel it is important to mention here a few basic rules to keep in mind when losing weight. We have commented on this topic many times, so I recommend you check out our article on weight loss in the new year, or our fitness guide on losing weight and gaining muscle.
But in short, I can't not mention the absolute basis of weight loss - calorie deficit. You can eat all the miracle supplements in the world, but without a caloric deficit you simply won't get anywhere. What is behind this concept? Your energy expenditure must be higher than your energy intake. It's a simple equation, yet many people try to get around it at all costs. When you decide that you want to lose weight, ditch all the fat burners and other such useless things. These make sense for experienced athletes who have a perfectly managed diet. Instead, start watching your diet and, most importantly, get enough exercise. For example, our article on the best weight reduction and our five tips on the activities that burn the most calories.
Many people fear that they can't lose weight the "normal way", so they try to to find salvation in supplements, which don't really work miracles. But believe it or not, if you eat right and get enough exercise, the whole process of shedding pounds will be much easier than it seems at first glance.
Which form of carnitine is best?
Carnitine can occur in several forms that need to be consistently distinguished from each other. Most important of all is the division of the optical isomers of L-carnitine and D-carnitine. These substances are almost identical but differ in their spatial arrangement. This is the source of their properties. While L-carnitine is involved in the aforementioned process of beta-oxidation in the human body, D-carnitine has no function in the body and in larger doses even
reduce the effectiveness of L-carnitine and act toxic.
Also, L-carnitine is further divided into several different forms. In terms of supplementation, the two most important forms are acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) and L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT). While ALCAR mainly has a positive effect on cognitive function and supports brain function, LCLT is more suitable for athletes. This form figured in the aforementioned studies where positive effects on physical performance were observed. However, for best absorption it is important to take it with food.
In what foods is L-carnitine found?
Although our body creates L-carnitine itself, we can also take it in our diet. The best source of it is beef, it is also abundant in chicken and turkey meat, fish and fish meat.It is also found in small quantities in vegetables and cereals.
Who is L-carnitine supplementation suitable for?
Given that dietary L-carnitine is mainly found in animal products, it is understandablethat vegans in particular have lower levels of L-carnitine than the rest of the population. Another group that can benefit greatly from L-carnitine supplementation is the elderly. This is due to the aforementioned positive effects on cognitive function as well as the prevention of muscle fatigue.
The category itself is athletes. It is clear that if you train regularly, the demands on your body are much higher. Also for this reason, L-carnitine is a very popular supplement among strength athletes. For their needs, L-carnitine L-tartrate is especially suitable, as mentioned above.
Sources
- FIALOVÁ, Markéta. L-carnitine [online]. Brno, 2014 [cit. 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://is.muni.cz/th/d92fe/. Bachelor thesis. Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine. Thesis supervisor Tomáš PRUŠA.
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ROUBÍK, Lukáš. Modern nutrition in fitness and strength sports. Prague: Erasport, [2018]. ISBN 978-80-905685-5-6.
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CLARK, Nancy.Sports nutrition: Diet plan, nutritional supplements, pre- and post-performance diet, specific nutritional needs, weight loss without starvation, recipes. 4th ed. Translated by René SOUČEK, translated by Monika SOUČKOVÁ. Prague: Grada Publishing, 2020. ISBN 978-80-271-1030-8.
- https://www.svetfitness.cz/clanek/karnitin-pod-drobnohledem/