|
|
|
News>
L Carnitine - For Weightloss
January 21, 2009
L-carnitine is frequently referred to as "the fat-burning amino," which is a fairly accurate description.
In the March `95 issue of the Nutrition Action Healthletter, writers David Schardt and Stephen Schmidt explain that "you need L-carnitine to get fatty acids into your cells, where they're burned. Carnitine is found in every cell in our bodies. Good thing. It shuttles fat into the cell's mitochondria -- its furnace -- where the fat is burned for energy."
Naturally, this burning of fat results in weight loss. On top of that, carnitine also helps control low blood sugar, meaning it can function as an appetite suppresant. Carnitine deficiencies can lead to liver, heart and muscle problems.
Carnitine aids in energy production by metabolizing stored fat
In the same chapter of his book, Mayell elaborates on the importance of carnitine for encouraging weight loss.
He notes, "Carnitine is crucial for proper fat burning. In the body, carnitine is concentrated in the heart and muscles, where it plays a vital role in the transport of fatty acids into the cells' mitochondria for combustion and energy production," as aforementioned.
"Taking supplemental carnitine is thought to significantly increase they body's ability to create energy by metabolizing stored fat, allowing the person to shed a few extra pounds in the process," says Mayell.
He also mentions that some contend that the L-form of this amino acid derivative (which is the form used in almost all supplement products) is much safer and more effective than other forms, such as D-carnitine or DL-carnitine.
James B. Roufs, writing in Muscle and Fitness magazine, suggests that, "In order to increase fat loss, most people need to ingest at least 1,000 mg (1 gram) of L-carnitine daily, preferably in two to three doses."
|
|
