Following up on my previous blogs on Amino acids and BCAAs I would like to focus on L-carnitine. It’s formed from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Both of these amino acids are essential, meaning our body cannot make them so we need to make sure we are getting them though our diet or supplement form. Examples of food groups that contain L-carnitine are Dairy, meat and poultry.

As mentioned in my previous blogs amino acids are the building blocks for protein and make up a large part of our muscle and tissue. L-carnitine supplements have gained popularity in the health and fitness world for their ability to increase muscle performance/endurance and their link to body fat loss. L-carnitine can be found in many different forms (powder, liquids, capsules or even injectables)

A few of the benefits of supplementing with L-carnitine - please see below

•  Increasing exercise endurance

Many studies done over the years have shown L-carnitine to be beneficial to energy production and the endurance. L-carnitine carries fatty acids into our  cells mitochondria where they can be burnt and used for energy. Think of the mitochondria as the cells engine.

•  Increases fat-burning and weight loss

With L-carnitines ability to carry fatty acids to our cells mitochondria this leads to increased fat burning during exercise. Studies have shown supplementing with L-carnitine led to a greater amount of weight loss than for those who didn’t. Whilst this can be beneficial for weight loss, just taking the supplement on its own won’t help, a healthy diet and exercise plan need to be in place for the best results. I have personally found L-carnitine to give my body that extra fat burning boost when I have been close to reaching my fat loss goal.

•  Improves brain function

Studies have shown L-carnitine to be beneficial when it comes to improving cognitive function. It may even have the ability to help improve memory for those suffering from Alzheimers disease.

There are many other medically related benefits of L-carnitine, but I recommend getting advice from your Doctor about them, as they will be able to recommend the correct dosage and look at any contraindications to existing medicines or conditions.

If you are thinking of adding L-carnitine supplements to your diet, there can be few side effects such as nausea, vomitting and diarrhoea. Those who have suffered from seizures, have an under active thyroid or on blood thinners should avoid L-carnitine. Pregnant and lactating woman should not use L-carnitine as the safety is unknown.

And remember - it’s not a miracle supplement when it comes to body fat loss, you still need to put in the hard yards and be committed to a healthy eating plan. But it can help give you that extra boost!