L-Carnitine...Thoughts?

Bellchick91

Hello!

So I've heard so much about the benefits of L-Carnitine for both performance enhancement AND fat burning. Im not so sure about the fat burning claims as free fatty acids in the bloodstream is usually the limiting factor in fat oxidation BUT Im still curious.

I work in a health food store and got Free Form L-Carnitine liquid (Solgar brand) 1500mg. Have been using it the last few days.

Has anyone here any experience with it? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Any advice on which kind (tablet, capsule, free form) brand, and when and how to take it? I've googled it etc but I'd like to hear from all of you and see what you have thought!

Thanks!

mwyvr

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/

Some research indicates that intestinal bacteria metabolize carnitine to form a substance called TMAO that might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease [24]. This effect appears to be more pronounced in people who consume meat than in vegans or vegetarians. The implications of these findings are not well understood and require more research.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-study-links-l-carnitine-in-red-meat-to-heart-disease-201304176083

[Nature Medicine report] suggests that regularly eating red meat boosts the number of L-carnitine-loving bacteria in your gut. “It’s the best demonstration so far of two-way communication between ourselves and the bacteria in out gut: what we eat affects the bacteria, and what they do with what we eat can influence health.”

“Based on the Nature Medicine study, I’d be concerned about taking L-carnitine supplements,” Dr. Mozaffarian says. “There was no strong reason to take such supplements before the study, and now this well-done study suggests there may be harm. I would definitely think three times before taking an L-carnitine supplement.”

Sounds like a good enough reason to avoid taking this as a supplement but no doubt it will appeal to those wanting a magic weight loss pill.

usmcmp

http://examine.com/supplements/L-Carnitine/

Supplementation of L-carnitine does not burn fat unless the individual is deficient in L-carnitine.

Bellchick91

Thanks for the input! Not interested in the so called fat burning ability (I stated above that I didnt believe it), was more interested in the performance enhancement claims.

Thanks though!