Always a popular supplement, L-Carnitine is used for a wide range of reasons, from fat loss to energy to cognitive function. Add in the variations, and the benefits list gets even bigger. In this edition of Ingredient Spotlight: L-Carnitine we will find out exactly what it is, the different forms, and what 5% Nutrition supplements contain it. 

What is L-Carnitine?

L-Carnitine is derived from the amino acids methionine and lysine. It’s manufactured naturally in both the liver and kidneys. L-Carnitine is responsible for fatty acid transport to the mitochondria to be burned for energy. Many people think of caffeine or other stimulants when they think of energy, but they are central nervous system stimulants. The energy we’re talking about here is ATP, which is what your muscles use when you train. That’s an important distinction. 

How Many Forms Are There? 

All forms of l-carnitine support energy production. However, some of the other forms have benefits exclusive to that form. Besides standard L-Carnitine, there is:

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (or, LCLT)

This form is a blend of standard l-carnitine and l-tartrate, which is a salt that improves absorption. LCLT helps testosterone work more effectively, thereby influencing muscle growth. It also supports recovery by helping to decrease muscle soreness.^(2,3)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (or, ALCAR)

This is a form of Carnitine with impressive cognitive benefits. These include an improved mood and enhanced learning ability.⁽⁴⁾

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Similar to ALCAR, this form of carnitine supports cognitive function. One way it does this is by supporting the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.⁽⁵⁾

Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine (or, GPLC)

This is a combination of Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLC) and the amino acid glycine. This form supports the production of nitric oxide for better pumps and enhanced nutrient delivery.⁽⁶⁾

GBB (or Gamma-Butyrobetaine Ethyl Ester HCl)

Why is this here? Simple! It’s an ingredient commonly known as “Super Carnitine''. This ingredient is the molecule that helps the body manufacture its own Carnitine. GBB also has thermogenic properties, making it effective for weight loss. Additionally, like GPLC, it supports nitric oxide production.⁽⁷⁾

The 5% Nutrition Products That Contain L-Carnitine

Liquid L-Carnitine 3150

This outstanding product is an innovative formula that features a 3,150 mg blend of 4 very effective forms of Carnitine. There’s also GBB, known as “super carnitine”, dosed at 25 mg.

Shred Time

Here’s an overdosed thermogenic fat burner that contains 1,000 mg of N-Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride as part of its Fat Burn Complex. There’s also a Sweat It Out Complex, Appetite Suppression Complex, and a potent caffeine-based Fat Burner Blend.

All Day You May

This is, of course, the most innovative amino powder on the market. There’s a leucine-heavy BCAA complex, EAAs, CEAAs, and much more. You’ll find L -Carnitine L -Tartrate in the CEAA (Conditionally Essential Amino Acid) Blend. 

All Day You Shred

This powerhouse formula features the leucine-heavy BCAA blend, an EAA blend, and LCLT, 1,000 mg, as part of an innovative Fat Burner Blend. This Blend also contains 50 mg of GBB.

All Day You May Caffeinated

This is the legendary All Day You May formula with a twist: 125 mg of caffeine from green tea, and Purcaf® organic caffeine.

Recap

It’s clear that L-Carnitine is an exceptional nutrient that supports the use of fat for ATP energy. Depending on the form, it offers quite a few additional benefits. Leave it to 5% Nutrition to offer this impressive nutrient in several formulas, meaning you can pick the formula that fits your goals the most. 

References:

1. Dietary L-carnitine increases plasma insulin-like growth factor-I concentration in chicks fed a diet with adequate dietary protein level. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00071660120109980
2. Kraemer, W. J., Spiering, B. A., Volek, J. S., Ratamess, N. A., Sharman, M. J., Rubin, M. R., . . . Maresh, C. M. (2006, July). Androgenic responses to resistance exercise: Effects of feeding and L-carnitine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16826026
3. Volek, J. S., Kraemer, W. J., Rubin, M. R., Gómez, A. L., Ratamess, N. A., & Gaynor, P. (2002). L-Carnitine L-tartrate supplementation favorably affects markers of recovery from exercise stress. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 282(2), E474–E482. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00277.2001
4. Traina, G. (2016, June 01). The neurobiology of acetyl-L-carnitine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27100509
5. Rebouche CJ, Engel AG. Carnitine metabolism and deficiency syndromes. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 1983 Aug;58(8):533-540.
6. Bloomer, R. J., Tschume, L. C., & Smith, W. A. (2009, May). Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine modulates lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in human subjects. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20209464
7. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/119/12/1907/4738183