L-Carnitine supplement

I was told by a friend that L-Carnitine helps to process fatty acids and the kicker for me - he said it gave him lots of energy. So I tried a liquid 1500 mg formula, because I'm 46 and trying to lose some fat and read on the label to take it before and after exercise.
I'm wondering if anyone else has tried this and if they have had a weight gain? I did not feel any more energetic, and I swear I am retaining water... I can almost feel it, as weird as that sounds.
Any thoughts?

Replies

  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    bump cause I'm curious
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    I've got some right now. Works great as long as you're eating in a calorie deficit. Oh, and getting some exercise in helps too.
  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I've got some right now. Works great as long as you're eating in a calorie deficit. Oh, and getting some exercise in helps too.
    Yeah, this is right. The analogy I would use is that imagine a house is on fire, and imagine a calorie-deficit diet and regular exercise are fire hoses. Well, then L-Carnitine is like a garden hose. Without the first two to put out the fire, the third is going to be useless. L-Carnitine is pointless without a diet and regular exercise.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    ^love that analogy.

    *steals analogy*
  • aleeju
    aleeju Posts: 3
    I do appreciate the comments, and I've stopped using it for about 5 days and I'm down 4 pounds. I don't know for sure that it was the L-Carnitine causing the water retention, but I know I didn't lose 4 pounds of fat! Maybe I'll try it again to see what happens - in the name of Science.