L-carnitine
A compound that transports fatty acids to the mitochondria to be burnt — popular for weight loss, and also being studied for recovery.
Benefits
- Involved in the transport of fats to produce energy
- Designed to aid post-exercise recovery
- Designed to reduce muscle soreness
Precautions
May cause digestive problems and body odour if taken in high doses. Use with caution in cases of kidney failure.
Recommended dosage
1 to 3 g a day, often taken with a carbohydrate-rich meal
Did you know?
A controlled study has shown that 2 g/day of L-carnitine does not alleviate fatigue in cancer patients, even in cases of initial deficiency.
What the studies say
This review suggests that L-carnitine, an endogenous substance and powerful antioxidant, may reduce oxidative stress and prevent neurological damage in certain inherited neurometabolic disorders. L-carnitine supplementation could be useful in compensating for tissue deficiency and preventing secondary oxidative damage. Further studies are needed to better explore this therapeutic potential.
Ribas GS, Vargas CR, Wajner M. — Gene (2014) — View the source study
Pairs well with
For information only: not a substitute for medical advice. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a varied, balanced diet. Learn more