L-Carnitine

What is it? L-Carnitine is an amino acid found in virtually all proteins, but which is particularly rich in meat. In the body, L- Carnitine has a number of functions, but among the most important is to help transport long chain fats in the mitochondria (the energy furnaces in your muscles) for oxidation.

How does it work? The logic is simple - if L-Carnitine helps transport fats into mitochondria to be burnt for energy, extra L-Carnitine could accelerate this fat- burning process. In addition, some have claimed that through increasing fat burning, taking extra L-Carnitine can spare muscle glycogen and so improve endurance capacity in athletes.

How strong is the evidence that it works? Weak. Numerous randomised double blind crossover studies with both athletes and sedentary subjects have failed to find any real benefits in reducing body fat or weight, reducing lactate build-up or increasing maximal oxygen uptake. In my opinion, while the theory is appealing, the reality is that thereÕs little scientific evidence that L-Carnitine supplementation offers any real benefits.