You may encounter L-Carnitine on the label of a nutritional supplement. You naturally want to know what you are taking, especially if you are serious about your body. That is why we explain below what this amino acid can do for you.
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that is produced by the body, but also found in food and supplements. It can help or support weight loss.
How does it work?
You can get this important amino acid from animal products such as meat and dairy products. If you do not eat these products in principle or eat too little, a supplement may be a good option. L-Carnitine has an important function in the body. The amino acid plays a crucial role in the production of energy by transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria of the cells.
Mitochondria are the engines or energy factories of the cell. One of the important function is to create energy to function. The brain and muscles need energy to function. Energy is supplied via nutrients. In cells, L-Carnitine helps transport fatty acids to the mitochondria where they are burned for energy. In this way it can stimulate the burning of fat. More than 95% of the amino acid is located in the muscles. Various studies show that supplementation with L-carnitine reduced body weight, BMI and fat mass. However, it had little or no effect on abdominal fat or body fat percentage.
Influence on sports performance
L-carnitine is a supplement that often takes several weeks to make the effect visible. Some advantages:
- It can improve recovery after exercise.
- It can increase oxygen supply to the muscles.
- It can increase blood flow and nitric oxide production, making you less likely to become acidic or fatigued.
- It can reduce muscle pain after exercise.
- It can increase the production of red blood cells, which helps you perform better.
- It can improve training performance at high intensity.
Powerful combination
In the new product Carnitine + CLA from Stacker 2is a powerful combination. In addition to L-carnitine, CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) has been added. This substance is very popular in slimming products. In dietary supplements, the source of CLA is often safflower oil or thistle oil. This plays a role in reducing fat mass and contributes to the growth of muscle mass. This makes the product very attractive for (strength) athletes. CLA can affect the storage and use of fat in the body. The idea behind the combination is that L-carnitine transports the fatty acids to the mitochondria, where CLA can help with their combustion.
Although more research is needed, L-carnitine may help increase weight loss and fat burning. Supplements may also benefit people with lower levels of this amino acid, such as older adults, vegans and vegetarians.
